by Shelley Bennett
Despite unseasonably cold temps and a deluge of rain, the annual NCCA Swing for Cancer Golf Tournament raised a record $35,000 for local cancer fighters.
When I woke up at 4:45 this past Saturday to the sound of rain falling, I thought for sure that we would have to cancel. I also cursed my weather app, which had assured me that the rain would stop around 3:00a.m.
I started to come up with Plans B, C, and D as we drove out to the golf course where I was met with an army of our faithful volunteers unloading vehicles, setting up tables and raffle items, and assembling the “snack bar” where we would serve lunch.
After assessing the course, manager Dave Martin decided that with an hour delayed start, we would be good to go. So, we got even busier.
Terry Lightsey, Craig Hemphill, Natalie Christensen, and Ryan Cochran fired up the BBQ and started grilling hundreds of brats and chorizos for lunch. Miss Lassen County and her court sliced baguettes. A group of students representing FBLA and ASB showed up and created a beautiful memorial to recognize the 337 locals we have been able to support.
Dawn Lightsey wrapped up last minute baskets while Kara Thomas, Stacey Barnetche, Shirley Bowden, Lisa Miller and Barbara Oxford organized the raffle items and started selling tickets.
Becky Williams began documenting the events with lots of pictures. Lorraine Weston, Patty Bertanzoni, Sue Farstad, and Nancy Urionaguena brewed up some popular Bloody Marys. Carrie Williams and I got ready to register the teams. Julia Barnetche, Nicole Martinez, and Jamie Edeyaoch watched the course conditions closely and prepared to golf.
And then the golfers showed up. Yes, they almost all showed up in their rain gear with hats, umbrellas, blankets, and towels to wipe down the carts. They even smiled and acted like they were happy to be there! Bless those golfers. They will do anything for a round of golf.
The real troopers were on the course. Survivor Kolby Loflin offered his best drive for any golfer trying to improve their position. He was accompanied by Christy Lewis and Chay Loflin who kept us updated with pictures throughout the day.
Cheryl and Ken Holmes with daughter Lindsey and her husband Matt provided hydration to thirsty golfers. Connie Herman, Jessica Solomon, and members of the Crowe family kept an eye on hole 7 where Wheels West had provided a fabulous prize. (Someone’s going to win that truck some day!)
The sun did not come out until the end of the day, but I never heard one golfer complain about the wet and cold conditions. They all played for a purpose and a little rain wouldn’t get in their way.
This year’s tournament was dedicated in honor of one of our committee members: Phil Bertanzoni. Phil was a unique individual. A little rough around the edges with a heart of gold. He might not have always said the right thing, but he always tried to do the right thing.
When his daughter Rachelle founded NCCA as a way to help those with cancer, Phil jumped right into fund raising and came up with a golf tournament as our main way of making money.
He was a natural at cajoling his friends, family, and fellow golfers into signing up, making donations, and helping in many other ways. If you believe in signs, and I do, the never-ending rain was definitely a test sent from Phil. We passed.
Thank you to everyone (and every business) who bought raffle tickets, donated raffle items, provided food, purchased flags and yard signs, sponsored teams, and offered support. We would not be able to help others without you.
And an even bigger thank you to the NCCA officers and committee. You are a driven group with lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a passion for helping. You’re the kind of people I am proud to call my friends.
I apologize in advance if I forgot a name or a face. You are all dear to me and our organization. I’m going to blame it on the rain. And exhaustion!
Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to [email protected] and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”
