• Funds are raised to benefit the Senior Center.
Thayne Senior Center is hosting their 10th Annual Golf Invitational at Cedar Creek Golf Course, Friday, August 9. Check-in and breakfast begin at 8 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. The invitational serves as a fundraiser to benefit the Senior Center.
“This is our main fundraiser for the year and is a four-person scramble,” said Gary Carvahlo, President of the Thayne Senior Center, in an interview with SVI last week. “Registration is $125 per person and various prizes are available, including cash prizes for net and gross scores, because we do use handicaps.”
Local businesses have donated gifts and baskets for a raffle, and Carvahlo hopes to send each participant home with a gift. A cash prize of $10,000 and a side-by-side from Salt River Motors is offered to any participant who successfully achieves a hole in one.
“I’ve been doing this about seven years, and I haven’t seen [a hole-in-one] yet, but you never know,” said Carvahlo about the $10,000 prize. “Salt River Motors offers a side-by-side for a hole-in-one. Again, I’ve not seen one yet, but it doesn’t mean it can’t happen. It’s possible. So, that’s why we do it.”
Officials are seeking more teams of all ages and skill levels for the event and are hoping for an additional four or five teams. Last year, 22 teams participated, but the numbers are nearly half that this year. “If you know anyone who’d wants to play, we’d love to have you join us. It’s not too late.
Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring the event can purchase a gold sponsorship, which will allow a banner with their logo to be displayed on the course. Businesses are also invited to sponsor a hole.
A luncheon will be served around 1:30 that afternoon as golfers complete the course and submit their scores. Prizes will be awarded, and raffle items will be drawn at that time.
Teams can register or businesses can arrange to serve as sponsors by calling the Senior Center at 307-883-2678, or by visiting the Center’s office. Please register your team in advance. Carvahlo says that “Golf carts are reserved, and we have to get the golf carts a number. Registration is still open, but we need to notify the golf course and reserve the golf carts.”
“The Center keeps the seniors busy, and it keeps people together,” said Carvahlo. “A lot of people come here every day for lunch and it may be the only social interaction they have all day, so it’s good for them. It’s a great place to have a meal and have some fellowship with some other senior folks.”
