The sixth annual Drive Out Hunger golf tournament held at Hastings Golf Club and Events on Monday, June 8, raised just over $19,000 for Hastings Family Service (HFS). DawnMarie Vihrachoff, HFS Director of Philanthropy, indicates, “Despite a chance of rain, 82 golfers turned out to support help and hope. The proceeds from this event come at the perfect time to help families overcome summer food insecurity when budgets are stretched and children are out of school. For $20, HFS can provide 12 free summer lunches for kids, so every dollar raised makes an incredible difference.”
At the event, golfers had an opportunity to experience a story walk of Hope highlighting supportive services that HFS provides in addition to food programs, and participated in raffles, hole contests, fun activities hosted by sponsors, scramble-style 18 holes of golf, dinner and awards. Additionally, a highlight of the day was lunch delivery at each hole brown-bag style, bringing awareness to the HFS Summer Lunches for Kids program – free for families living in ISD 200.
The tournament began with a warm welcome and remarks by HFS Executive Director, Amy Sutton, who voiced deep gratitude for the community coming together to fight hunger and expressed that the need for services continues to grow. Sutton shared that in April of this year, HFS food programs served a historical monthly high of over 1,000 households. She concluded, “Being here with all of you is a welcome reminder that we never do this work alone.”
Winning the tournament with a score of 63 was the Radke and Mohrhauser team. Other award winners included closest to the fairway grocery cart: Scott Litschke, men’s longest putt: Chris Bauer, women’s longest putt: Lori Plemens, men’s longest drive: Josh Malaske, and women’s longest drive: Dori Giebler.
HFS is grateful to all golfers, sponsors, and volunteers for helping to Drive Out Hunger. Watch for next year's registration to open in April.
Pictured: Congratulations to the winning golf team (L-R): Mike Mohrhauser, Dewald Bester, Brian Radke, Matthew Radke
