Avista charity golf tourney raises $21,000 for WMMHC
Tammy Alexander, left, and Chrisi Robinson check on silent auction items during Avista’s 10th Annual Charity Golf Scramble and Silent Auction held last Saturday at the River’s Edge Golf Course near Thompson Falls. The event raised money for Western Montana Mental Health. Maggie McGillis was the silent auction coordinator.
Larry Flemmer chips onto the No. 9 green Saturday during Avista’s 10th Annual Charity Golf Scramble and Silent Auction. (Joe Sova photos/Clark Fork Valley Press)
Bridget Kennedy of the Blackfoot Communications team reacts to her fairway shot during Avista’s 10th Annual Charity Golf Scramble and Silent Auction.
Jason Oyler watches his tee shot head down the fairway during Avista’s 10th Annual Charity Golf Scramble and Silent Auction.
John Watson keeps an eye on his fairway shot during Avista’s 10th Annual Charity Golf Scramble and Silent Auction. Net proceeds from the tourney went to benefit Western Montana Mental Health.
It was a record-breaking day at the River’s Bend Golf Course just outside Thompson Falls on Saturday, as more than $21,000 was raised during the Avista’s 10th Annual Charity Golf Scramble and Silent Auction. Golfers from 18 teams enjoyed the opportunity to contribute to the cause, and savor the camaraderie that comes with a day on the links.
The format was a four-person scramble, bringing out the best in each golfer.
In addition to entry fees, money was raised through a raffle and silent auction, which included a nice array of items.
Benefactor of the charity tournament this year is Western Montana Mental Health Center of Sanders County.
“This money will be used in Sanders County for the direct service needs of our clients, including adults, children and families,” said Abby Harnett, WMMHC executive director. “We will also be using the funds to cover costs of our CSCT school-based programs.”
CSCT stands for the center’s comprehensive school and community treatment programs.
“We are very, very excited about the overwhelming generosity of the community and Avista,” Harnett said Monday. “It’s a huge blessing.
“My staff worked really hard to put this together.”
Harnett gave credit to Maggie McGillis, who was the coordinator of the silent auction.
“She put in many hours helping to coordinate the event and make sure all went on without a hitch,” Harnett said.
There were three winners in the fundraising raffle. Jeneese Baxter won a seven-night stay at Pend Oreille Shores Resort. Liz Morkert was awarded a pallet of patio rocks. Diane Rummel was the winner of a dinner cruise for four on Flathead Lake.
The Blackfoot Communications team would have received the Hard Luck Award, should one have been given. Team members were Kina Kuhn, Vicki Riska, Shawn Schneiter and Bridget Kennedy.
The golf car used by Kuhn and Riska suffered a breakdown. Their No. 2 car came with a rubber mallet, should they need it for repairs due to another car issue.
The Blackfoot team played alongside a team of four men — Loren Manderfield, Dwight Sheffler, Bob “Tink” Watson and John Watson.
“We enjoy being paired with these beautiful women,” one of the men said while they all waited to tee off Saturday afternoon.