By ABIGAIL SNOW
Moapa Valley Progress
Golf Fore Kids held its 10th annual tournament earlier this month at four golf courses in Mesquite. The goal of the annual event is to collect Christmas toys for kids living in locations from Littlefield to Moapa Valley.
This year’s tournament was a record-breaking event raising over $47,000 in toys and cash donations, which brought the total raised over the last 10 years to approximately $385,000.
“The tournament has grown for 144 to 558 golfers in ten years,” said Rob Wursten, Head Professional at Falcon Ridge Golf Course. “The public likes participating in the tournament. I believe there are a lot of people in the world that enjoy helping those less fortunate.”
After Wursten moved from Phoenix to work at Falcon Ridge, he approached the owners with a charitable Christmas idea that he had seen in Phoenix. It was to hold a golf tournament to benefit kids. The first Golf Fore Kids tournament was held in 2005 at Falcon Ridge.
Currently, four courses donated their facilities for the event including; Falcon Ridge, Conestoga, Canyons, and Palms. Also, the Casablanca event tent was donated for the luncheon, prizes, and raffle.
“What started as a simple idea with just a few volunteers has multiplied into a staple for the community at Christmas time,” said Mindee West. “The spirit of this tournament has been contagious and continues to expand each year. In all the chaos of the world, it is nice to see so much love, generosity and support from the wonderful people in this community and surrounding areas.”
Entrance into the tournament included either a $50 toy or $50 cash donation. Many who donate to the cause don’t participate in the tournament.
West said Golfers donated enough bikes, balls, trucks, dolls, and games to fill an entire room. Among the piles of toys were 116 bikes and 42 scooters.
“The toys are first used to fill the needs of the Mesquite Salvation Army Angel Tree program,” said West. “The remaining toys are distributed between Littlefield/Beaver Dam and Moapa/Logandale which helps bring Christmas to another couple hundred children.”
This year, both Rob Wursten and Hans Gardner from Falcon Ridge delivered a trailer of toys for Moapa Valley kids. The dropped off the delivery at Grant Bowler Elementary in Logandale on Friday, Dec 19. From there, toys were distributed amongst various church denominations and other charitable groups.
“I believe that there is a sense of responsibility and love in the community,” said Wursten. “People respond to certain causes and I think this is one of them. There is a great spirit to this tournament. Those parents I have witnessed pick up the gifts are overwhelmed with gratitude.”
