AUBURN — Thirty-five teams turned out on Thursday, Sept. 15 for the seventh annual YMCA/NAPA Charity Golf Tournament, netting $30,387.
The event took place at Martindale Country Club in Auburn and featured more than 50 sponsors from the local business community.
All proceeds will benefit the YMCA’s financial assistance program, which last year gave away more than $95,000 in scholarships to local children and families who would not otherwise be able to participate in enrichment programs at the Y, including summer camp, swim lessons, youth sports, and dance.
Jim Whitmore, owner of five local NAPA stores, has been title sponsor since the tournament’s inception in 2010. A lifelong member of the Y and father of two, he says, “First and foremost, the YMCA is a cause. It’s a place where children and adults of all ages can become healthier and stronger together.”
“Our tournament is about making sure those opportunities exist for all families, regardless of ability to pay.”
This year’s tournament took on a special significance as more than 150 players and guests celebrated the induction of Pennell Woodard of Auburn into the 2016 YMCA Hall of Fame. In addition to his more than 50 years of service to the Y, Woodard is among the tournament’s founding committee members.
In a citation delivered during the tournament’s reception, CEO Steve Wallace said, “There have been many community leaders among Mr. Pennell Woodard’s generation, but for the breadth and depth of his service, Penny stands head and shoulders above his peers.”
The day also offered several opportunities for players to show off their skills. Among the tournament standouts were Team Kimberly-Clark and Team Patrons Oxford Insurance, who took first gross and first net, respectively. Ethan Guerette of Auburn once again won longest drive for the men, while Lena-Jo Hartlety of Auburn won longest drive among the women.
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