Annual Avista golf tournament supports SCCFF

THOMPSON FALLS – The annual Charity Golf Scramble held by Avista filled up quickly, providing revenue and support for the Sanders County Coalition for Families.

In its fifth year, this is the second consecutive year the golf scramble reached capacity.

According to Avista’s Clark Fork License Manager, Tim Swant, the tournament has the capacity of 18 teams on the nine-hole course.

“We actually sold out well in advance. This was sold out a month ago,” said Swant. “The only bad thing about it is we couldn’t get more teams in because we did have a waiting list. There were teams who wanted to and couldn’t get in.”

This year Swant said the Sanders County Coalition for Families approached Avista and asked to have the golf tournament benefit them. Swant explained that every year the golf scramble is open to a new charity, something that Swant said rotates around the county.

“They’re a great cause and they are a 501-c3, which is really important for some of the donations,” said Swant. “It worked out extremely well.”

New this year, the silent auction was opened two weeks prior to the tournament, allowing people who are unable to participate in the event an opportunity to help support SCCFF.

“(The silent auction) is one way to grow the tournament. We only have 18 teams but it allows for community members who aren’t golfers to participate. It’s a way to generate a little more revenue for the charity,” explained Swant.

The tournament was open to all different skill levels, stretching from beginners or people who were looking to have a good time to some fairly serious golfers. Swant explained the goal of everyone remained the same regardless of skill level.

“Everyone still comes out to have a good time,” said Swant.

The Charity Golf Scramble was a way for Avista to connect to the community in a non-business type fashion. Swant added the opportunity is a way for the company to give back to the community.