Northwest producers, processors and industry businesses rose to the challenge and set a new event record by raising $91,487 to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Inland Northwest at the 5th Annual Ag World Golf Classic held June 13 in Kennewick, Wash. Through the generosity of 118 sponsors and donors and 144 golfers, this year’s event was a huge success.
Ag World Golf Classic presented a $91,487 check to the Ronald McDonald House Charities Inland Northwest last month after finalizing all donations.
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. 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 the Ronald McDonald House Canada, he decided to host a similar event here in the Inland Northwest. This vision became the Ag World Golf Classic.
Ag World Golf Classic has donated $325,967 over the past five 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 was again joined by co-hosts Simplot, Lamb Weston, McCain Foods and Potato Growers of Washington to put on the event.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities Inland Northwest provides temporary lodging, comfort and support for families with children receiving medical services in the Spokane area and supports related efforts to improve children’s health in the region.
“We are able to support so many families because of the help of generous donors from the Ag World Golf Classic,” said 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 excitement of the tournament’s success still lingers in the minds of those who worked tirelessly to make it 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.”
The 2019 Ag World Golf Classic is set for June 12, 2019 at Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Kennewick, Wash. Registration opens January 2019 at www.AgWorldGolf.com.