As snow melts into puddles and puddles fade back into sidewalks, it’s only natural for summer to be on our minds. As you start filling your warm-weather calendar, you'll want to leave July 11th open for an experience that makes a real difference. It’s a day when communities join hands, connections are made, generosity takes center stage, and some really great golf is played. This summer, the Timber Creek Women’s Charity Golf Tournament returns to Timber Creek Golf Course in Watertown, welcoming women of all ages and skill levels for a celebration you won’t want to miss. Heading into its 9th year, when you tee off with a team, you’ll also be joining a mission that supports an amazing non-profit called WeCAN (Western Communities Action Network). This organization dedicates its work to empowering individuals and families in Western communities to reach stability and self-sufficiency. A fun day on the course, friendly competition, and a chance to invest in your community by providing essential support and building long-term resilience for your neighbors? That’s the kind of round that truly matters.
Par for a Purpose
“This tournament fosters a stronger, more stable community for the future,” says Tournament Director Sara Johnson, noting that funds raised are used throughout the year to provide emergency assistance to local families facing unexpected hardship. This comes in the form of rent, utilities, and car repairs, as well as programs like Meals on Wheels, a local food shelf, and a mobile market that delivers fresh food directly to those in need. “WeCAN also provides everyday necessities such as winter gear, personal care items, and cleaning supplies, which can be hard to obtain when facing other challenges. They also host fun programs like the “Birthday Shelf” that offers gifts for children’s birthdays,” Sara shares. Transportation can also be an obstacle for some, so WeCAB (a division of WeCAN) assists with that as well. “They provide safe, affordable, and flexible supplemental transportation to medical and physical therapy appointments, grocery stores, worship services, events, and running errands.”
Swinging Support
“Businesses and organizations support the event because it offers a direct way to give back to the communities where their owners, members, employees, and customers may live and work. As fellow residents, these sponsors have a personal stake in the well-being of their community,” Sara explains. And, because the tournament is 100% volunteer-run and benefits from a dedicated partnership with Timber Creek Golf Course, every dollar is maximized to support WeCAN’s essential services. And the results speak for themselves. Over its eight-year history, the tournament has evolved from a local golf outing that contributed $4,000 to WeCAN in its first year to a community event that unites local businesses and organizations, volunteers, and participants for a common cause — donating over $157,000. Sara and her team truly believe that supporters continue to back this event because they see it as doing good while having a great time. “It creates a sense of purpose that goes far beyond a typical day on the course.”
A Day on the Greens
The tournament uses a 4-woman 18-hole scramble format, which is designed to be social and inclusive. “Singles and small groups are paired together to complete foursomes, encouraging networking and new friendships among women who share a commitment to community service and a love of golf.” Additionally, she says, over the years, many tournament participants have joined the weekly Tuesday-night ladies' golf league at Timber Creek, strengthening bonds among women golfers. Some of the event’s most unique experiences — like the Llama Photo Booth, Warrior Dog Rescue, vendor exhibits, and contests — make it more than just a round of golf. They put on decoration contests, raffles, and exciting on-course events. "These unique touches, along with a professional-grade tournament experience, are a significant reason why participants and sponsors find the event so unforgettable.”
Celebrating Success
Looking forward, organizers hope to establish this tournament as a premier women’s regional golf event that not only achieves record fundraising to meet the ever-expanding needs of WeCAN but also shines a spotlight on the organization’s diverse programs and services. “Beyond the dollars raised, success is measured by the number of families who achieve self-sufficiency and the strength of the community network built through the event,” Sara says. It’s also reflected, she adds, in the laughter on the course, amazing creativity, friendships sparked, and the lively atmosphere that keeps women of all skill levels coming back year after year.
For more information or to register, visit https://birdease.com/tcwomenstourney