On September 23rd, 2013, MountainGate Country Club once again played host to the LAFD Invitational Golf Tournament. Held to benefit the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund, the tournament remained a popular draw for supporters and firefighters in its 16th year. This year’s event raised over $80,000 for firefighter families.
After the golfers received their tee bags, including golf shirts donated by Kevin Wright of Morgan Stanley, the crew from Station 88 executed the impressive golf ball drop from the top of a ladder truck. This was the third year for the golf ball drop raffle, and it was more popular than ever. Hundreds of golf balls were sold by an army of volunteers, including Valerie Lawrence, winner of a dinner at a firehouse for the most sales. The grand prize winner, Joe Edwards of HealthSCOPE Benefits, generously donated his $2,500 prize back to Widows & Orphans.
The scramble-style tournament was a fun opportunity for golfers of all skill levels to relax and enjoy playing amidst the beautiful scenery. It was also an excellent chance for sponsors to spend time with the very firefighters that they’ve chose to support. It’s always a time of good camaraderie, and although winning the tournament isn’t necessarily the focus of the day, it was great to see that several of the winning teams included firefighters as players. Of course, with Fireman’s Brew and Hula Girls out on the course, there was plenty of fun to be had too.
The highlight of the post-golf cocktail hour was the annual silent auction, always a favorite among attendees. Items from golf at Bel Air Country Club to Hello Kitty packages were in hot demand from bidders. By the time the bidding period came to an end, the silent auction had raised over $10,000 for Widows & Orphans. There was also a live auction held afterward, offering up both great items and laughs courtesy of auctioneer Jim Taylor.
The awards dinner, sponsored by Ben B. and Joyce E. Eisenberg Foundation, not only included a delicious meal, it was a wonderful time to honor our sponsors. It is thanks to the support of Bradawn Insurance Services, Inc.; Lewis, Marenstein, Wicke, Sherwin & Lee, LLP; HealthSCOPE Benefits and our other sponsors new and old that the LAFD Invitational golf tournament remains such a success. We look forward to seeing everyone out on the course again next year.
By Jody Houser, LAFRA Staff
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View more photos from this event. CHECK OUT THE ACTION!
