When you play golf in September in the Colorado foothills, you always take a chance that Mother Nature will make life difficult. But Mother Nature knows a good cause when she sees one, and provided a perfect day in the low 90's. And combining the great conditions with a spectacular golf course provided the players with a day that they won't soon forget.
This year, 132 golfers participated, making it not only a record for the Dawgs tournament, but also the largest tourney ever held at the Red Rocks Country Club. The event also set another dubious record at Red Rocks, running up the largest bar tab in the venue's history. But that's what happens when hockey players get together to have some fun.
There were also various contests out on the course, where players could win other prizes. The closest to the hole winner was Brent Cullaton, who is the director of hockey operations for the new local minor league team, called the Denver Cutthroats. Jim Gragg made the longest putt, while Chase McGee won the long drive contest, ripping one around 400 yards on the 18th hole. And Dawg Nation's own Danny Packard won our straightest drive hole, putting his ball just inches from the center of the 14th fairway.
Then at the end of the day, one player was selected to try one putt from 50 feet, and if he could sink it, he would win $5000. Mario Lopez, who plays on the Old Dawgs in the Over 40 league, gave it a brave effort with many people looking on, but hit it a little long.
But the real winner on the day was The Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation, which grossed around $35,000 for the one day event, due to the generosity of all our players, Red Rocks Country Club, and especially our terrific sponsors. This money will go a long way toward helping adult hockey players throughout the Rocky Mountain region, who have gotten hurt, or are seriously ill.
There were two recipients during the day of the tournament, and the first was an adult league goalie named Christopher Grass. Chris has epilepsy, making it impossible for him to work, but he is able to get between the pipes for his beer league squad. He was nominated by a teammate, and was unanimously approved for a $6000 grant. Dawg Nation wishes Chris the best as he continues his battle.
Left to right- Dawg Nation president Marty Richardson, Chris Grass, and Rob Packard
Then at the end of the day, after an excellent buffet dinner, we were able to make a special presentation to Ken Rose, who along with his mother, lost his home in the Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs. Ken is still playing hockey at age 64, and we heard about his stroke of terrible luck. We decided to hold a special putting contest between the first and 18th holes, where players would pay $10, and the closest to the hole, putting with a hockey stick, would win a Hewlett Packard notebook worth $850.
Most of the players tried, some with the help of one of our friendly volunteers.
After it was all said and done, Dawg Nation matched the generous contributions of our players, and we were able to give Ken a check for $2260. This will enable Ken to buy some new equipment, and help him along as he recovers from the disaster in the Springs.
Ken Rose and Marty
The Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation wishes to thank everyone involved in making our second annual tournament so successful. Big thanks go out to Ali Canyon, Kirby Lee, and the entire tremendous staff at Red Rocks Country Club, who were so professional, organized, and patient in their dealings with us. We look forward to continuing our relationship for many years to come.
Next, thank you so much to all of our sponsors. We would not have raised nearly the amount of money that we did without your generosity. You overwhelm us, and we appreciate your support.
Finally, we would like to thank every volunteer who helped make this event possible, and especially Annie Sterner and Cindy Richardson, who put in many, many hours to ensure the success of the tournament.
Annie Sterner and Amber Packard
Cindy Richardson
Thanks again for everything, and we look forward to seeing everyone next year!
