Tuesday's Internet Edition, September 07, 2010.
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“We maxed out at 124 golfers, four over the limit,” said Rachlin. “This event was a 100 percent success- just unbelievable.”
The purpose of the tournament was to raise at least $25,000 to support programs at the new Lewisville Branch Library. Forsyth County Commissioners have approved $3.4 million for construction of the facility, but that money does not cover materials and programs.
Funds were raised from entry fees ($65 per golfer), corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and the sale of “mulligans” on the day of the tournament for $5 each.
Rachlin estimated the total money raised at approximately $29,000.
“We have to deduct our expenses from that amount, but I think the final total will meet or exceed our goal of raising $25,000 for the library,” he said.
The Civic Club began planning and organizing the tournament on January 1, 2006. Club member Candy Morris suggested the idea, and everyone quickly jumped on board.
“It’s a very great feeling to see a number of people- both citizens and businesses- come together and support their community,” stated Rachlin. “We had Civic Club members fanning out all over and doing things to make this a success. Over 20 of them volunteered to staff the event.”
Bob Stebbins chaired the tournament and said he was very pleased with how it turned out.
“I am overwhelmed with the support from the golfers and volunteers and also the monetary support we have received,” he said.
Stebbins explained that the Civic Club board will make sure all tournament expenses are paid before officially announcing how much money was raised for the library. The total should be known in about one month.
“The money has its own account and will likely stay there until the library is built,” added Stebbins.
Head librarian Merrikay Brown and Cindy Poindexter, president of the Friends of the Lewisville Library, both attended the tournament and were grateful to everyone involved.
“The money raised today will help the Friends of the Library fund special events and programs like summer reading and children’s storytime,” said Poindexter.
Added Brown, “The support from the community has been great. It will help us to have extra money beyond what the county provides. We always need money for books, computers and other supplies. It’s going to take a lot to fill up all the space in the new building.”
When completed, the 15,000 square-foot facility will be the largest library in the Forsyth County system.