Edwards AFB News

Golf tournament raises funds for 65th Air Force Ball

  • Published
  • By Laura Mowry
  • Staff writer
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Seventy-two golfers participated in a tournament Aug. 30 at Muroc Lake Golf Course to raise money for the 65th Air Force Ball. Funds raised from the tournament will help offset costs of the event, scheduled for Sept. 21.

Although there have been additional fundraising events for the Air Force Ball such as bowling, a burger burn and contributions from local on-base organizations, the golf tournament remains the largest fundraising initiative.

"This was our key event raising money. It allows us to make the Air Force Ball a distinguished event. The funds will give event organizers the latitude they need to make it a special event," said event organizer, Master Sgt. Cade Peterson, 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron.

Included in the tournament's $60 entry fee was a tri-tip steak lunch and golfers had the chance to win incredible prizes such as a trip to Pebble Beach, Calif., valued at $7,500; a set of Cleveland irons; and a Kindle Fire; by participating in longest drive, closest to the pin, longest putt and hole-in-one competitions.

Tournament winners, Robert Reeks and Tracey Kinlin, received four complimentary rounds at premier golf destination, PGA West, located in LaQuinta, Calif., while the last place team was presented with a "Worst Golfer in the Universe" trophy.

"The biggest challenge we faced was getting the prizes. We had a great team that worked hard to get all the prizes. Staff Sergeant Rigoberto Ayala, with the 412th Maintenance Group, spent a lot of time working with local businesses to support the event," said Peterson. "His professional demeanor and hard work made all the prizes possible."

According to Peterson, the 412th Force Support Squadron also played a critical role in the event's success, whether it was providing professional or regulatory guidance, or making sure the course was well maintained.

"They really took the time to do the little things," said Peterson.

At the end of the day, the event was a complete success thanks to the hard work of the tournament committee, 412th FSS and the support and donations from local businesses. Participants enjoyed a great round of golf, delicious food and incredible prizes, while the Edwards community benefited from the sizeable budget increase for the Air Force Ball.

"The tournament was great. We accomplished our goal and the amount of support from the base allowed us to exceed our expectations by about 40 percent," said Peterson. "I think participants knew what the money was going for and they came out to support. Events like this and the Air Force Ball help make Edwards a better community."