Northwest agriculture producers, processors and industry businesses rose to the challenge and set a new event record by raising $73,492 to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Inland Northwest at the fourth annual Ag World Golf Classic held last June at Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Kennewick, Wash. Through the generosity of 118 sponsors and donors and 144 golfers, the 2017 event was a huge success.
Ag World Golf Classic presented a $73,492 check to the Ronald McDonald House Charities Inland Northwest last month after finalizing all donations.
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 Inland Northwest 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 for Ronald McDonald House Canada, he decided to host a similar event in the Inland Northwest. From this vision was born the Ag World Golf Classic.
The Ag World Golf Classic has raised and donated $233,480 over the past four years to the 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 in past years.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities Inland Northwest provides temporary lodging, comfort and support for families with children receiving medical services in Spokane, Wash., and supports related efforts to improve children’s health in the region.
“Throughout the past 30 years, the Ag World Golf Classic is the most significant community fundraiser we have ever seen,” says Mike Forness, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House Inland Northwest. “On behalf of the families and children that stay at the Ronald McDonald House, we say ‘Thank you, Ag World.’ We see your family values, work values and church values as major reasons this fundraiser is so successful.”
“The tournament was again blessed with great weather, attendance and generous participation,” says 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.”
The 2018 Ag World Golf Classic is set for June 13 at Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Kennewick. Registration is now open at www.agworldgolf.com.