Local charity “Fore a Cause” was formed to help feed hungry children in the Oxford-based SAD 17 school district.

On Aug. 5 at Summit Springs, that group held its annual golf scramble. The committee, headed by Bunny O’Leary of Norway, thinks they will be able to announce a record amount of money raised for pupils in 10 SAD 17 schools. Before taking into account any funds from entry fees, raffles and other forms of fundraising during the tournament, more than $9,000 had been contributed to the cause by businesses throughout the SAD 17 area.

This charity was founded by members of the Oxford Hills Regional High School Class of 1978 in 2018, when that group decided to do a golf scramble for the benefit of hungry children. While many of the 76 players in the Aug. 5 scramble are Oxford Hills alumni, most of that number played because they learned that food-funding reached 350 school kids in 2021. It is surprising and sad that there are that many hungry children in the district.

The food distribution is simple. Gift cards worth $25 are distributed to children through their schools. The children and their families do not know where these donations came from, and the donors are not told who has received their contributions. School food pantries are in charge of distribution, after teachers and administrators identify the needy children.

“We also are working on dressing these children,” O’Leary said. “We have seen that some need winter attire.”

This was brought to the attention of the “cause” during the annual Oxford Hills Christmas Parade, held annually on Thanksgiving Weekend.

While the player number is fixed at 76, the prize-winners had lots to shoot for. For instance, a hole-in-one would have won a player a four-wheeler, contributed by Mainely Action Sports of Oxford.

Businesses or individuals interested in contributing to this worthy cause do not have to have played in the tournament. Information on how to contribute is available by asking for it at the email address foreaacausetournament@gmail.com.

There is a large committee running this tournament, headed by the O’Learys, Bunny and John, along with Shauna Cummings, an Oxford Hills teacher, and Brian Landis. Other members of the committee include: Joanna Galgovitch, Deb and Keith Ladner, Kathy and Joe Pulkkinen, Bruce Wyman, Paula Staples, Michele Wagner, Cindy Kimball, Karen Tibbetts, Kathy and Steve Reed, Pam Lovely and Bonnie Twans.

They are living proof that the saying, “Good people do good things,” is alive and well.

*****

Congratulations to Poland resident James Frost, a Fox Ridge member, who won the Maine State Golf Association Match Play Championship held Aug. 1-3 at Falmouth. He won five matches, including a 19-hole title-match thriller to take his first MSGA Match Play crown.

*****

A pair of teenagers won the MSGA Mixed Championship at Fairlawn on July 31 .

Eli Spaulding, 16, of Brunswick, and Jade Haylock, 15, of Turner Highlands posted a 7-under 65 to capture the title by two strokes in an alternate-shot format.

Clearly, these kids can play golf.

*****

Upcoming MSGA Play Days are: Men’s, Aug. 10 at Bethel; and Woman’s, Aug. 9 at Natanis, where the annual Janet Druin Memorial will be played.

Bill Kennedy, a retired New Jersey golf writer and editor now residing on Thompson Lake in Otisfield, is in his 10th season as Sun Journal golf columnist.

Copy the Story Link

« Previous

Maples owner Joshua Brister emphasizes the ‘pro’ in semi-pro basketball

Next »

‘Confidence is key’: Dirigo grad Jess Conant finds newfound shooting ability with LA Maples