Elks golf scramble raises funds for many programs

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Members of Fort Scott Elks Lodge No. 579 gathered for a day of fun on July 4. Young and old teamed together to try their skills at ladder golf, washers and bocce ball. Water balloons as well as fireworks were flying through the air. The children gathered around the Patriotic Pinata and were rewarded with treats when it finally gave way. Everyone brought something to grill, a covered dish to share and plenty of fireworks to shoot.

At the completion of games, the scores were tallied and coming in first were Bryan Bishop and Mike Tinsley with a close second by Sandy Williams and Dennis Meech. The day ended with everyone gathering to watch the City-Wide Firework Display. The Elks Lodge plays a vital role in raising funds to pay for the display.

This year's fundraiser included a three-person scramble held at the Fort Scott Country Club with 20 teams participating.

Winners of each flight were:

A flight -- First place Dale Schilling, Shawn Marshall, Randy Holt; second place Mitch Quick, Rex Hall, Jim Regan;

B flight -- First place Vie Anderson, Paul Schafer, John Black; second place Linda Findley, Susan Wood, Shannon Bollinger;

C flight -- First place James Wood, Mike Wood, John Marcum; second place Pat Bishop, Mike Ashcraft, Kyle Deer;

Longest Drive Men -- Shannon Bollinger; Women -- Millie Lipscomb;

Closest to the Pin -- Dick Hedges;

Closest to the Line -- Jack Ecrement;

Longest Putt -- Dale Colegrove.

Committee members would like to thank Pat and Kay and Country Club Staff and all who participated in this tournament. A special thank you to the individuals and businesses for their hole sponsorship and donation of prizes. Along with the City, Bourbon County and the contributions of participating buisnesses, this year's firework display was very successful.

The Elks began fundraisers to assist the city in bringing citizens a Fourth of July Celebration about 15 years ago. With members and the community's support, the lodge will continue providing assistance in future years.

The Fort Scott Elks honors a veteran once a month. The lodge awards a scholarship to a high school senior, sponsors an Essay Contest for sixth, seventh and eighth graders and has had an essay winner in the State Competition.

The Elks host a Fishing Derby for the youth in the area and its Ladies of the Elks have a luncheon party for the AR program at the Middle School. The Banquet Room is reserved for weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries and dances.

The lodge assists the eighth grade in their efforts to attend Washington Workshop each year by hosting a steak dinner as well as other youth organizations raising funds. Banquet Room has been designated alcohol-free for youth dances.

The Elks next major fundraiser will be to raise funds for its Christmas Baskets. The lodge provide local families with a Turkey and all the trimmings which are delivered by volunteers the weekend before Christmas. This year's fundraisers include "Cheesburger in Paradise" hosted by Byron and Nancy Maze, members of the Elks and a three-person Golf Scramble to be held October 3.

(A related story can be seen here.)