WORTHINGTON – Chester resident Sarah DaSilva recently took a fundraising suggestion from her husband Adam, and is hopeful that area residents will support the endeavor that will benefit sporting programs for hill town children of all ages.
DaSilva, who serves as fundraising coordinator for the Gateway Youth Athletic Association (GYAA), said the organization is hosting its first Shot Gun Scramble Golf Tournament on Sept. 8 at The Links at Worthington, 113 Ridge Road.
“Without GYAA we wouldn’t have a sports program to develop the ideals of good sportsmanship, teamwork, self-confidence, physical fitness and enjoyment of sports through a variety of sports programs for our area children,” said DaSilva.
DaSilva noted that between 135 and 150 players have benefited from GYAA programs during the last two years.
“Families can sign preschoolers to teens up for our athletic programs,” said DaSilva. “Mostly all students begin with GYAA before entering high school when they join the junior varsity and varsity teams.”
DaSilva credits the success of GYAA to the countless board members, coaches, parents and volunteers who are responsible for the implementation, oversight, and management of the local youth soccer and basketball programs in the Gateway Regional District.
“Our support begins with all who are affiliated volunteering their time,” she said, adding, “My husband is guiding me through this tournament since I’m not a golfer.”
The cost of the golf tournament is $75 per player, $260 per foursome, or $16 per experienced student. The fee also includes golf cart and dinner. Tee off is at noon with the dinner to follow.
For persons only attending the dinner, the cost is $25 for adults and $20 for a child. The menu options are turkey and roast beef served with a vegetable, rolls, roasted potatoes and dessert.
The deadline to participate in the fundraiser is Aug. 25.
“We’ll have prizes and much more,” said DaSilva, adding raffles and a 50/50 drawing will be highlights of the fundraiser. Also, a representative from Dixon Golf will attend the event and offer games and prizes. Dixon Golf, based in Tempe, AZ, is an eco-friendly golf company that manufactures four different golf balls as well as apparel made from eco-friendly products.
At press time, prizes donated include a summer basket full of items for kids, a Rocky’s grilling bucket, baby blanket, Auto Zone car wash bucket, candy bin, Koozies and gift cards.
For more information on the event, to sign up for the tournament, or to donate a raffle prize, contact DaSilva at (413) 426-0517 or send an email to [email protected].
“Being a volunteer-only organization, we come to the community for the support to meet the needs of our program for future Gateway Gator athletes,” said DaSilva, adding expenses range from new equipment and the upkeep of two fields, to balls and nets.
