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Coeur54 swings into action for charity

by DEVIN WEEKS
Staff Writer | June 5, 2021 1:00 AM

COEUR d’ALENE — What began as the COV’AIDE 54 Invitational golf-a-thon has evolved into the Coeur54.

In its second year, it's going to be double the fun. On Tuesday, golfers will hit the links and play 54 holes - all for good causes.

“Last year was the perfect opportunity to create this event," Coeur54 spokesman Dustin Ainsworth said. "We were very fortunate with the support of the community and the golf courses that allowed us to play during COVID."

The 2020 inaugural event featured eight golfers who played for pledges for nearly 10 hours at the Coeur d'Alene Public Golf Club, Avondale Golf Course in Hayden and the Hayden Lake Country Club. They raised $15,000 for CDAIDE, a local nonprofit that serves workers in the service and hospitality industries.

The original players have all invited one more player each to join the challenge and raise funds for not one but two nonprofits: Village of Hope and First Tee of the Inland Northwest.

Village of Hope partners with foster parents, social workers and community members to provide support and resources for vulnerable youths. First Tee is an international youth development organization that introduces the game of golf and its inherent values to young people.

The fundraising goal for the 2021 Coeur54 is $25,000. The players will return to the same courses as last year to play 54 holes.

"Everybody we've brought on board are community-minded guys," Ainsworth said. "It's working out great. The new guys are getting a lot of support."

Those who want to support their favorite golfers can visit www.coeur54.com and choose to donate $1, $54 or a different amount.

"This is such a generous community and we're very fortunate to be a part of it. This is our opportunity to give back; we feel honored and privileged for the opportunity," Ainsworth said. "The game of golf is something all the players love to do. To take something we’re passionate about and turn it into something to raise funds for the youth in our community is a great opportunity and we feel blessed."