The Star Valley Ranch Ladies Golf Association (SVRLGA) has once again turned a love of golf into a force for good, donating thousands of dollars to local organizations following their annual Rhinestone Cowgirl Golf Tournament.

This year, the SVRLGA donated $1,000 each to Mid Valley Fire, the Thayne Food Bank, Turning Point, the Thayne Senior Center, EMS, Azar House, and Lucky’s Place, along with $500 to the Star Valley High School Girls Golf team.

Cathy Toolson, who currently serves as Co-Chair of the annual Rhinestone Cowgirl Golf Tournament held at Star Valley Ranch, explains that these donations all resulted from what was  raised during the August 11 tournament.

Tournaments for the organization began more than 25 years ago. “I remember coming down from Jackson with a bunch of ladies in the early 2000’s,” Toolson said. “I became an officer of the SVRLGA a few years after moving to The Ranch. At the time I joined we had about 60 ladies. This year we have 45. Over the past few years, we’ve lost some pretty amazing ladies, most of whom were founding members of The Ladies Association, which started in the early 1960’s.”

“Numerous ladies have had the opportunity to be in charge,” she continued. “Almost every member volunteers to help out in some way. We sell raffle tickets for a chance(s) to win one or more of the beautiful 30+ baskets we put together with items donated by our members. We also have a Silent Auction for items or certificates that we collect from other businesses or golf courses. The majority of the funds we make from these two events is what we are able to donate to our local charities in need. We have also donated to families that have suffered a tragic accident to assist them with medical bills.”

Averaging over $6,000 since Toolson has been associated with the Rhinestone Cowgirl Tournament, the organization decided to focus the funds on several organizations who could benefit from the funds, not just one or two. “There are many Non-profit organizations in our community that need help,” Toolson said. “The folks that we donated to this year as well as the ones we’ve given to in the past are so very appreciative. Presenting them with a check is one of the best feelings ever!”

The Rhinestone Cowgirl Tournament continues to be a highlight of the summer season at Star Valley Ranch, uniting local women in friendly competition while raising funds for important community causes.