Two local golf benefits fast approaching

It’s hard to believe that the Ryan Hoff Memorial Golf Tournament will be holding the 10th annual event this Saturday at Hidden Greens in Solon Springs. There are many reasons to organize a team and compete in this great event. Let me give you a few.

Since 2003, the Ryan Hoff Memorial Foundation has provided annual scholarships to a graduating senior from Superior High School. The 2012 recipient was Nicholas Christopher Kirchoff. The Foundation also provides funds for Superior High School’s “School to Work Program,” which organizes and delivers gifts to needy families at Christmas. Funding for community youth organizations and emergency needs of K-12 students is also provided.

Perhaps the most impressive use of funds raised by the Foundation is its Major Project. I use capital letters because of how impressive the Project is.

For the last three years, the Foundation has donated $5,000 annually to support the Superior school district’s school forest program. Lori Danz has taken the lead the revitalize the forest into a space that benefits not only students but families and the entire community. With the $15,000 given by the Foundation, the school forest has seen swift improvement: two new learning center buildings were constructed, an outdoor area — complete with a fire pit — was established, trails on the property were improved and an archery range was added. The Foundation’s donations have also funded bus transportation to give all of Superior’s fifth-grade students a chance to experience the school forest.

Helping further the education of our young people helps us all. For that, I personally thank Larry, LuAnn, Dean, Eric, Heidi and the Ryan Hoff Memorial Foundation Committee. The Committee consists of Paula Cooper, David Edquist, Rick Eisenmann, Bruce Jardine, Jason Kalin, Donald Polkinghorne, Jason Waletzko, Pete Waletzko, Sandy Winek and treasurer Julie Rozowski.

Other than the obvious reasons of helping young people, Julie Rozowski has a very personal interest entwined within her involvement.

“What can be said about the Hoff family? They are the most caring and thoughtful family that I know,” Rozowski said. “The hard work that they put into this fundraiser is unreal. This is because they feel very strongly about Ryan but also about others. They have always included my son Chad, who died in 2001 and graduated with Ryan, in everything. Chad was born on Aug. 9 and Ryan was born on Aug 5. The money that is raised is there for all students to use for things that they could not otherwise afford. The school forest is a huge example of the kindness and thoughtfulness of this family. Ryan’s smile lives on because of them.”

It can’t be said any better than that.

The Ryan Hoff Memorial Golf Tournament begins at 11 a.m. with a five-person scramble and has a men’s as well as a mixed division. The cost for the 18-hole extravaganza is $65. The cost includes the tournament fee, greens fee, two carts per team, door prizes and dinner. The five-star meal consists of spit-fired chicken, roasted baby Yukon potatoes, herbed roll, coleslaw and cookies. If that’s not enough to entice you, there is a silent auction in the clubhouse during and after the tournament. Course owner Bob Baldwin, manager Krista Martineau, and the incredible staff will serve as your hosts.

For more information or to register your team, call Hidden Greens at 715-378-2300.

Helping kids, having fun, great food, great golf, being with your friends and not having to cut your grass and do yard work. This qualifies as a win-win-win.

Another great event will be held at Botten’s Green Acres Golf Course in Lake Nebagamon on Aug. 18. The 8th annual Jim Weinandt “Don’t Ever Give Up!” Scholarship Golf Scramble will provide golf, food, fun and funding for a scholarship to a graduating senior from Northwestern High School.

A historical perspective is given by Jim Weinandt brother, Bill.

“The Jim Weinandt golf scramble was initiated by a number of Jim’s friends just to get together and have some fun in his memory,” Bill Weinandt said. “Over time, the annual event became the sole funding source for the Jim Weinandt ‘Don’t Ever Give Up!’ scholarship. The scholarship is awarded annually to a Northwestern High School graduating senior who exemplifies Jim’s humble personality, commitment to Northwestern, work ethic and don’t ever give up attitude. The first scholarship was awarded in 2008 and in five years, seven college-bound recipients have each been awarded $1,000, including this year’s co-recipients, Abby Schulz and Justin Alexson. In addition to the scholarship, a grant in the amount of $500 was awarded last year to the Northwestern Quiz Bowl Team to help defray the costs of attending the national competition in Chicago.”

Jim Weinandt was an outstanding coach, teacher, friend to all he met, and most importantly, he was an outstanding human being. Weinandt passed away from cancer in 2001, but he exhibited a “never give up” attitude as he battled for his life. Until the end, Weinandt was a positive influence on his players and students. His philosophy on life still serves as inspiration to all. He graduated from Northwestern in 1965 and taught English for 31 years and coached various sports at his alma mater. He touched and influenced many students and athletes at Northwestern.

The Great One, Jody Botten, is in charge of the food, while her husband, Brad, is in charge of the golf. I like Brad a lot, but I love Jody. Barbecued hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad and brownies will make up the menu. Tee times are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will be prizes galore, raffle items, laughter and lies on the course and in the clubhouse. Botten’s does it up right and has served as host since the first year of the tournament in 2005.

The $30 entry fee gets you nine holes of golf on one of the area’s finest courses, a T-shirt designed by Tina Prior of Shirts Unlimited, great food, golf, a chance to see old and new friends and a chance to help deserving graduates of Northwestern. Perhaps, most importantly, we are honoring one of the all-time great men or our area, Jim Weinandt.

“It gives the Weinandt family great pleasure to support and be a part of the Jim Weinandt Scholarship Golf Scramble,” Bill Weinandt said. “We offer our sincere thanks to the sponsors, golfers and Botten’s Green Acres who combine to make this event a success and in turn assure the Jim Weinandt Scholarship will be awarded for years to come. Jim wasn’t much for fanfare, but I’m sure the quality of the young men and women who have received the scholarship in his name would make him very proud.”

To reserve your tee time or get further information on sponsoring a hole, call Botten’s Green Acres at 715-374-2567.

Opinions and story ideas can be e-mailed to dleigh1273@aol.com.

Tags: have fun or get out of they way, douglas county, collections, sports, golf, superior, spartans, tigers