Great times for a good cause: More than 100 turn out for first annual Black Hills-Salvation Army Golf Fundraiser
ASHLAND, Neb.— On a bright, warm Saturday in September, 108 people took part in the first annual Swing Fore Black Hills Cares golf fundraiser, in partnership with The Salvation Army Western Division.
Participants played an 18-hole best-ball tournament at Ashland Golf Club.
“We are so grateful to be out here today,” said Salvation Army spokesperson Todd Andrews. “One-hundred and eight golfers—that’s more than we would have anticipated in the very first year of an event like this.”
Black Hills public relations manager Jennifer Peters said staff at the Ashland Golf Club were gracious hosts.
“It's a wonderful course, and I know people are going to have a lot of fun," Peters said.
Proceeds from the event go toward the Black Hills Cares program, which helps families in need in South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa pay their utility bills. Program funds are disbursed by local Salvation Army units around the three states.
"This will benefit people in dozens of communities served by The Salvation Army Western Division," Andrews said.
"We have a lot of avid golfers at The Salvation Army, and Black Hills Energy does, too. So, we're grateful to see both of those avid groups come together to make this a fun and memorable day for such a great cause."
Among those on the green were Omaha Kroc Center staff member Crystal Adams and her family.
"It's a great day to be in the sun,” Adams said. “And it's great to play golf for a good cause."
Not all who participated were either The Salvation Army or Black Hills Energy employees. Golfer Braden Crosby said he works for General Excavating, which works alongside Black Hills Energy.
"It's a blast,” Crosby said. “I've never golfed this golf course before, so it's a lot of fun.
"It doesn't get much better than this – being able to support a good cause and have fun with my friends and coworkers."
Peters said event organizers had set a goal of getting 18 teams of golfers to participate. She was thrilled that they surpassed that with 27 teams – especially considering the event was held on a Husker football Saturday.
"We didn't know what to expect,” she said. “It's a game day. And in Nebraska, we know people care about the Huskers, but they showed up. They knew that this was important, and that warms my heart."
“We've already raised more than $10,000 for this wonderful cause,” she added. “And with the Black Hills Energy match, which is 100 percent, we're going to double that donation today, and it's going to be over $20,000 for this wonderful program."
Andrews gave more details on how that money will go toward helping people.
"Sometimes, people need just a little boost when it comes to paying their utility bills – so that they don't have to worry about the terrible question of, 'Do I pay rent this month or do I pay the utility bill? Can I buy food this week or can I pay the utility bill?'” he said. “Giving them that boost is really part and parcel of what 'Doing the Most Good' is all about."
"Black Hills Cares gives them just a little bit of extra support when they need it most, so they don't have to make those choices between feeding their family and paying their electric bill," Peters added.
The event is not the only time people can contribute to the Black Hills Cares fund. Peters said Black Hills Energy accepts donations from its customers throughout the year.
“That can go on your bill, you can make a one-time donation, and those funds are matched at 100 percent by Black Hills Energy."
Peters also had words of praise for The Salvation Army.
"Without Salvation Army, we would not be able to help all of our customers and families in need of energy assistance.”