County Open raises $9,000 for charity

By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    Even though the participation was slightly down, the County Open raised a significant amount of money for the Health Services Foundation.
    The County Open activities brought in $9,000 to be donated to the Foundation’s digital mammography campaign.
    “In an effort to increase participation, the golf tournament was changed,” said Jackie White, committee chairman.
    Traditionally, the golf tournament was played two days on two courses — Houlton and VaJoWa in Island Falls. This year, the golfing end of the event included a one-day Stroke Play Tournament at the Houlton Community Golf Course and a one-day four-person Mixed Scramble at VaJoWa.
    “Participation was a little lower than it has been in the past,” White said. “We tried something new this year. Whether it worked or didn’t work is kind of hard to say when you have the economy as a factor, as well.”
    Another activity held in Island Falls for the County Open was the half-marathon/relay running event. More than 80 runners competed, with Evan Graves the top male finisher in a time of 1:16:64 and Samantha Matoush was the female winner with a time of 1:34:04.
    Another addition to the golf tournament was the presentation of a gold cup in memory of Daniel Tracy to the overall winner. Porter Gervais picked up that honor finishing  in the “A” division as gross champion with a score of 69.
    Though the County Open participation and sponsorship was low, participants still had a good time overall, said White.
    “The gala was a lot of fun,” she added. “The band was great and the food was excellent. People liked the dinner at the golf course better. We had a better set up with the band and raffle and then having a dance afterward ”
    The County Open is looking toward its 23rd year of helping to raise funds for the Health Services Foundation.
    “We want to start planning,” White said. “We are having a critique meeting at the beginning of September.”
    This year’s committee members were: Bob Anderson, Jackie White, Ben Lynds, Dave Edgar, Elizabeth Dulin, Jan Peabody, John Walker, Lisa Collett, Zach Goodwin, Mike Fogarty, Scot Walker, Steve Fitzpatrick, Vicki Hagerman, Warren Walker and Dave Grant.
     At the critique meeting, the committee will get together and sort through the feedback of those who participated.
    “We would like to have feedback from the public,” said White.
    To respond to the County Open survey, call White at 532-2900 or e-mail j.white@houltonregional .org. Comments can also be received on the County Open website.
    “The event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community,” said White. “It also wouldn’t be possible without the hardworking members of the committee. It is definitely not a one-person show. And, the money raised stays right there in our area.”