Golf Tournament Still Taking Registrants
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According to Berkshire Family and Individual Resources Executive Director Rich Weisenflue, it won't be too late to sign up for the tournament until it's already started.
"It's never too late," Weisenflue said on Thursday. "We'll take walk-in registrations."
And for those who aren't ready to hit the green quite yet, professional teacher Kay McMahon will be hosting a clinic that is also still taking registrants.
"The clinic will allow people who are new to the game and might not be comfortable on the golf course to still contribute, to still feel like they're learning something," said David Bond, owner of The Range on Curran Highway and treasurer of BFAIR's board of directors.
McMahon, the former president of Ladies Professional Golf Association's Teaching & Club Professional Division, is a seasoned instructor and her lesson includes four hours of instruction, overview of rules of the game and tutorials in swinging, putting, chipping and pitching.
<L2>The tournament already has nearly 70 participants slated to play and the fundraising goal is $10,000, which will be used to "meet the needs of some of the people we serve," said Weisenflue.
The fund — called the Huntington Barton Fund for Rick Huntington, the recently retired Berkshire area director of the state Department of Mental Retardation, and Bob Barton, the former executive director of the Northern Berkshire United Way — will be used to help areas that have insufficient funds.
"We're having sessions and we're asking questions. We are trying to find out what would best benefit BFAIR and the community. What do we need to do? Who can help? How can we help?" said Bond.
BFAIR is a nonprofit human service agency that provides services and programs that support adults and children with developmental disabilities, autism and traumatic brain injury. They specialize in tailoring support to meet individual needs and to promote independence.
Saying he expect this year to be more successful than last year (when the tournament raised $6,000), Weisenflue thanked the 37 local businesses who sponsored a tee or green sign and the larger sponsors who helped make the event possible.
"We're trying to have a day where we can raise money for the organization. There are lots of golf tournaments out there and it's hard to differentiate between them but this one is a way for people to come together and support an organization in town that provides a great service," said Bond. "Knowing that this event will make a difference and change people's lives in some way makes our event special."
The second annual BFAIR Golf Tournament begins at 11 a.m. with lunch at Waubeeka Golf Links in Williamstown. Shotgun begins at 12:30 and dinner and awards is at 5:30 p.m. The tournament and the clinic are both $100 per person.
