Las Vegas, Nevada (December 17, 2013)–Several Mesquite golf courses were the site for the 9th annual Golf Fore Kids toy drive and fundraiser. The event originated in 2005 at Falcon Ridge Golf Club but in 2013, four courses were used for the event which helped collect $48,000 in toy donations including 120 bikes and scooters. "The spirit of this tournament has been contagious and continues to expand each year," said Mindee West, an original tournament organizer. "A huge thanks to all the wonderful volunteers, sponsors, donors, and golfers who are involved in this event! In all the chaos of the world, it is nice to see so much love, generosity and support from the wonderful people in this community and surrounding areas." — By Brian Hurlburt.
The four courses that were donated for the event in 2013 were Falcon Ridge, Conestoga, Canyons, and Palms. The Casablanca tent was donated for the luncheon, prizes, and raffle. A record number of golfers and sponsors stepped forward this year to help the cause. A total of 504 golfers participated and made the event possible by generously bringing toys in lieu of paying a green fee. In addition 89 holes were sponsored by area businesses, the most sponsors the event has ever had.
The toys are first used to fill the needs of the Mesquite Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Any remaining toys are distributed between Littlefield/Beaver Dam and Moapa/Logandale which helps bring Christmas to another couple hundred children. Because of a wonderful raffle response, thousands of dollars will be donated to the Mesquite Shop with a Cop program.
"A tremendous thanks to the golf courses for donating their courses for the day," said West. "Thanks to Mesquite Gaming for donating a course, the tent, their personnel and making a special $2000 donation this year. Thanks to the local police and fire departments for helping to collect, load and unload the toys. Thanks to the high school Interact Club for helping with toys, serving the lunch, and cleaning up after the event. Thanks to the countless volunteers who give of their time and energy, also to the businesses who generously sponsored holes. And a special thanks to the golfers who participate year after year and make the event possible. Christmas will be a little brighter this year at hundreds of homes."
Mesquite, Nevada, is located 77 miles from Las Vegas and is a bustling golf destination with several courses and resorts available for tee times and golf packages. Besides the four courses which hosted this event, other courses in the area include Top 100 Wolf Creek Golf Club, the Oasis Golf Club, in addition to courses in St. George, Utah, which is located about 30 miles from the city.