Area agriculture producers, processors and industry businesses rose to the challenge and set a new event record by raising over $73,000 to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of the Inland Northwest at the 4th Annual Ag World Golf Classic held June 14 at Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Kennewick, Wash. Through the generosity of the event’s 118 sponsors and donors and 144 golfers, this year’s event proved to be a huge success.
The Ag World Golf Classic was born out of a vision to help families with children who have severe medical needs. Warren Henninger, founder and chairman of Ag World Support Systems, caught the vision to host a Columbia Basin event to support the Ronald McDonald House of the Inland Northwest, which is based in Spokane, Wash. Having a grandson born with many medical needs heightened Henninger’s desire to help families in similar situations. After several years participating in golf tournaments in Manitoba, for Ronald McDonald House Canada, Henninger decided to host a similar event near his home in the Inland Northwest. This vision led to the creation of the Ag World Golf Classic.
Through the generosity of sponsors, donors and golfers, the Ag World Golf Classic has donated more than $233,000 over the past four years to Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest. The tournament is part of Ag World Support Systems’ campaign to make a difference in the community by supporting the Ronald McDonald House’s mission to strengthen local families and promote children’s health. This year, Ag World Support Systems was joined by co-hosts Simplot, Lamb Weston, McCain Foods and Potato Growers of Washington to help make the event even better than past events.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest provides temporary lodging, comfort and support for families with children accessing medical services in Spokane and supports related efforts to improve children’s health in the region.
The tournament format was the same as in years past, with an 18-hole scramble. The event also included great food and fun with barbecues along the course, a personal appearance and photos with Ronald McDonald, and a cart for ease of play, all followed by an ice cream and cookie bar social.
This year, to encourage golfers to give generously, the Ag World Golf Classic created a team competition for the day of the event. The highest-donating team of the day would receive four box seat tickets to a Washington State University football game donated by Zimmatic by Lindsay. Teams had fun donating both on the course, at the Ronald McDonald House hole, and afterwards at the awards ceremony.
The day started out with golfers registering and receiving a free goodie bag, which this year not only included great snacks but an Ag World Golf Classic hat and Ronald McDonald signature striped knee-high socks.
Before the shotgun start, golfers gathered and began the day with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance in honor of Flag Day. All golfers were also given flag lapel pins to wear while golfing. Following this, as with each year, there was a coin toss contest for all growers to participate in, with the winners receiving free farm chemicals and farming aids. Everyone then gathered for a group photo before the golfing began.
Out on the course, golfers were able to enjoy great food, beverages, and fun—all thanks to generous hole hosts: Lithia Auto Sales, Lydig Construction, McCurley Business Elite, Suberizer Inc., Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest, and Washington Ag Network. Food ranged from bratwursts, to barbecue pulled pork, to hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos and more.
Golfers were able to compete in a hole-in-one contest to win a vehicle donated by Lithia Auto Sales. In addition, Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive contest winners each received a $100 gift card from Canyon Lakes Golf Course.
During the tournament, a family who has been blessed by using the Ronald McDonald House in Spokane was able to go around and visit with players to share their story. Players were also visited by Ronald McDonald on the course, where a picture was taken with each team.
To wrap up the fun day, golfers gathered for an ice cream and cookie social and the announcement of winning golf teams, highest donating team and drawings. Many players were able to receive great gifts through the drawings including hotel accommodations, rounds of golf, golf lessons, miniature golf and gift baskets. The day ended with a $50,000 shootout, as people continued to socialize and enjoy time together.
“Throughout the past 30 years Ag World Golf Classic is the most significant community fundraiser we have ever seen,” said Mike Forness, executive director of Ronald McDonald House of the Inland Northwest. “On behalf of the families and children who stay at the Ronald McDonald House, we say,‘Thank you, Ag World!’ We see your families values, work values and church values as major reasons this fundraiser is so successful.”
The excitement of the tournament’s success still lingers in the minds of those who worked tirelessly to see this event happen.
“The tournament was again blessed with great weather, attendance and generous participation,” said Henninger. “We are grateful to our hosts, sponsors, donors, many golfers and supporters who made this event such a huge success. Ag World is honored to support this worthy cause.”
Next year’s event is set for June 13 at Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Kennewick, Wash. Mark your calendars for an even bigger event, with the field expanding to a full day of golfing.