Cape Region charity tournaments enjoy a resurgence

Cape Region charity golf tournaments in 2020 took a major hit because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sponsors were hard-pressed for money to spare or auction items to donate, the golf clubs faced significant restrictions on food and beverage operations, and potential participants were understandably more concerned about job prospects than spending a fun afternoon for a good cause.

Thankfully, the easing of pandemic restrictions and the continuing return to normality resurrected hope for Cape Region nonprofits that use golf as part of their fundraising efforts.

Here are three recent examples.

The Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club held its 12th annual Charity Golf Tournament June 14 at The Peninsula on the Indian River Bay. The event sold out, with 136 golfers and a waiting list.

The tournament is the Rotary’s main fundraiser. Proceeds support local organizations serving youth, veterans, adult literacy, and victims of the opioid epidemic, along with the Rotary’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative. The $28,528.58 raised exceeded the club’s expectations and prior year’s earnings.

The tournament used a best ball format. Wes Hood, John DiStefano, and Steve and Justin Grossman won double first-place honors – first overall and as the first-place Rotarian team.

In the event release, golf committee Chair Mike Hall noted, “We were simply overwhelmed by the response we received this year for our tournament. We went into this knowing that many had been financially hurt by the pandemic, and yet so many were able to help us raise the funds we use to support local and Rotary International initiatives. It is truly a testament to how we as a society recognize the need to help those less fortunate, and also shows how anxious folks were to get out and enjoy a day on a beautiful golf course.”

Next year’s tournament is scheduled for June 13, 2022.

The Long Neck Sunrise Rotary Club meets weekly at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesdays for breakfast at the Ocean Grill II on Long Neck Road. Visitors and prospective members are always welcome.

The Bayhealth Foundation held its 36th annual Charitable Golf Tournament June 28 at Maple Dale Country Club in Dover, raising more than $28,000 to support programs and initiatives at Bayhealth hospitals and treatment centers in Kent and Sussex counties.

To make a donation to support Bayhealth, visit Bayhealth.org/foundation or call 302-744-7015.

The 2021 Baywood Golf Classic set a new fundraising record June 29, netting $71,233.50 for Beebe Medical Foundation at Baywood Greens Golf Course in Millsboro.

Event proceeds support Beebe Oncology Services. The program uses two locations in Sussex County, the Tunnell Cancer Center in Rehoboth Beach and the South Coastal Cancer Center near Millville.

The Tunnell Companies, Schell Brothers, Silicato Development, and Whiting-Turner were each Title Sponsors at $10,000 each.

In the event release, Tom Protack, Beebe Medical Foundation president, noted, “Beebe Healthcare is so grateful for the strong and loyal support of the Tunnell Family. Their generosity over four generations not only helped Beebe build its first cancer center but also expand our programs so Sussex County residents can get cancer care close to home.”

For more information or to make a donation, call the foundation at 302-644-2900 or go to beebemedicalfoundation.org.

The Cape Gazette is happy to help by publicizing these and upcoming Cape Region charity fundraisers in this column. Tournament organizers should contact me at least five to six weeks ahead of the date to give potential players a chance to sign up.

Rush takes his time for first ace

Congratulations to longtime golfer Harry Rush of Millsboro for making his first hole in one June 28 at The Rookery. According to his golfing buddies, the Marine veteran upped his game after undergoing lumbar fusion surgery in February. Rush used his pitching wedge on the 115-yard par 3 17th hole.

Local club competition results

The Rehoboth Beach Country Club Ladies 18-hole group played a team Better Ball game July 7, with Suzanne Moore, Genine Fidler and Gina Bergin winning first-place gross.

Judy Shaw, Lisa Krausz, Sheila Halfpenny and Eileen Davey won first-place net, with Jeanne Allan, Barbara Collins, Jullie Burton and Kerry Lockwood finishing second net. Allan, Davey and Burton each made chip-ins during their rounds.

The Mulligan’s Pointe Ladies 18-hole group played a Fairways & Greens game July 6, with three points for drives landing in the fairways and three points for each green in regulation.

Cathy Cosgrove won first place in Division A, followed by Maxine Ansbach in second and Brenda Lewis in third. Cindy Williams won first place in Division B, with Mary Bowen in second and Kathy Ragolia in third.

The Rehoboth Beach Country Club Ladies 9-hole group played a Best Ball Scramble game July 6, won by Marie Bernstein, Deborah Hudson and Lynn Runsten. Charlotte Samans, Susan Rodgers and Marilyn Martens finished second.

The Kings Creek CC Ladies 18-Hole group played a team Best Gross and Best Net game July 1, won by Erin Reid, Marsha McLaurin, Marty Jaxheimer and blind draw Atom Irwin. Anita Pettitt, Diane Sweeney, Margaret Moore and Anne Farley finished second, and Donna Deely, Jeannine Doane, Linda Eicher and Debbie Grant came in third.