Golfers raise $20K for SNR
Coeur54 presents a $20,000 check to Special Needs Recreation on Wednesday. From left: Kylee Morgan, Parker Price, Scott Kramer, Dustin Ainsworth, Rachel Sloan, Zack DiMattio, Jason Kelly, Summer Vogan, Brennan Stillinger, Bailey Kramer, Ryan Deschryver, Chris Vincent, Lindsay Patterson, John McMurray, Conor Hammons, Tim Skelton, Matt Baine, Brian Longwell and Gavin Jacobson
COEUR d’ALENE — On June 6, 16 golfers with Coeur54 took 3,775 shots over 864 holes on three courses.
A lot of numbers, but none as important as the $20,000 the group presented to Specialized Needs Recreation on Wednesday.
"This makes all the time and effort, asking for donations, worth it," said Dustin Ainsworth, Coeur54 spokesman. "This is what it's all about."
Lindsay Patterson, SNR executive director, said the funds mean every camper who wants to attend this year will do so, regardless of ability to pay.
Without the donation, many campers could not afford to attend SNR's programs.
"This is an important piece of their summer," she said.
SNR is a nonprofit that provides recreational opportunities for youth and adults with developmental and physical disabilities.
"The golfers' marathon day of golf demonstrated their commitment to creating an inclusive community for all," Patterson said.
For the fourth year, Coeur54 raised funds for nonprofits with three rounds of golf in one day at the Coeur d'Alene Golf Club, Avondale Golf Club in Hayden Lake and Hayden Lake Country Club.
With this year's total, Coeur54 has raised more than $100,000.
Previous beneficiaries include CdAIDE, Village of Hope, First Tee of North Idaho and Newby-ginnings.
Ainsworth said an ancillary club-swinging contributer to the cause, 54Foundation, was formed to support even more organizations, but on a smaller scale.
While it was a fundraiser, it was also competitive.
Brennan Stillinger was the overall champ, shooting a "why-isn't-he-on-tour" 1-under-par on the 54 holes. Ryan Deschryver was the net champion while Brian Longwell was the top fundraiser.
Ainsworth said Coeur54 is glad to not only raise money for SNR, but also to raise awareness of its community-strengthening work, spending time and energy on positive endeavors.
"These are the kind of organizations that need community support," he said.
Patterson said SNR was honored to be selected as Coeur54's main benefactor.
"The support from the golfers and donors that contributed has exceeded our imagination," she wrote.