Big bucks from Bay Shore
Founders of Bay Shore Systems, Herb and Paulette Minatre, cruise the carpet at the Take Two annual charity golf tournament.
Photo courtesy of Amy Hern with Bay Shore Systems
Outfitted in matching gear, golfers Marshall Pack and John Misita take a moment to plot their next move.
A team representing Solid Rock Automation in Post Falls takes time out to pose during Bay Shore Systems' 23rd annual charity golf tournament.
POST FALLS — Bay Shore Systems of Rathdrum hosted its 23rd annual charity golf tournament July 17, raising nearly $35,000 for Children’s Village.
Every year Bay Shore employees pool ideas for which charity they'd like to support. Through a vote, Children’s Village was chosen.
“For Bay Shore, giving back is a huge part of our culture,” said Kelly Litzko, marketing coordinator.
Pleased to be back in action after the cancellation of last year’s event due to COVID-19, 36 teams took over Prairie Falls Golf Club in Post Falls to compete to their heart’s content.
Prizes are given to the top three finishing teams and for Longest Drive and Closest to the Pin.
Mitch Nafe, Ryan MacFarlane, Jacob Shearer and Taylor Vold from Alien Gear Holsters with Tedder Industries took first place.
With room for a maximum of 144 golfers, the aptly named “Take Two” tournament was sold out long before the deadline to register.
Many fun traditions have developed over the 23 years the event has been held, Litzko said.
Some teams dress in matching outfits and other traditions are more on the wild side. The executive team always cruises the course in a golf cart spraying guests with water blasters, she said.
“This always turns into a riot,” Litzko said. “People have started bringing their own water guns to retaliate.”
The event includes silent auctions and a raffle. Teams can sign up to play together or as individual players and the public is welcome to come for viewing.
Bay Shore spoils the players, outfitting competitors with shirts, hats and swag, and they provide a generous spread of food and beverages throughout the day of play.
The strategy has worked well. Bay Shore Systems averages about $30,000 for charity a year.
“A whole gambit of people sponsor the event,” Litzko said. Bay Shore Systems is an international but family run business and attracts sponsorships from all over the United States.
Litzko said Children’s Village was chosen for the extraordinary work it does for Kootenai County’s children in need.
Children’s Village is the only nonprofit residential care and crisis nursery in North Idaho.
Assisting families at their hardest moments, they operate 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. When faced with situations like homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse or a mental health crisis, Children's Village fills the gap for local families.
They are the only foster care home in Coeur d’Alene equipped to house larger sibling groups when needed.
Bay Shore Systems manufactures truck-mounted excavating and drilling systems and has been part of the Rathdrum community since 1996. In 2020, Bay Shore was named one of the best places to work in the Inland Northwest.
Info: www.bayshoresystems.com
