Golf Ball Drop Benefits Lakes Region Board of Realtors Scholarship Fund

MEREDITH - Out of all the shots made during a recent golf tournament at the Waukewan Golf Club, only one was made directly from the air and involved 80 balls at once. The last shot of the benefit for the Lakes Region Board of Realtor's Scholarship Fund was made with a bucket of golf balls dumped from a hot air balloon.

This was the 21^st golf tournament for the Lakes Region Board of Realtors Golf Tournament with proceeds going to the board's scholarship fund.  A total of 94 golfers took part in the tournament with each paying a $100 entry fee. The tournament was a team tournament with all proceeds benefiting the Lakes Region Board of Realtors Scholarship Fund. Alan DeStefano, chair of the Lakes Region Board of Realtor's Scholarship Committee, said around $14,000 was raised at this year’s tournament, which was around what was raised last year.

"I think it went very well, and it probably was a better turnout than anticipated because it was a really slow start and it came together nicely," DeStefano said.  "So far this year this is our largest turnout we've had for a tournament," said Waukewan Golf Club General Manager Craig Hale.  This is the first time the ball drop has been done. Plans were already in place to have the balloon area for rides, and Rob Wichland of Re/Max Bayside raised the idea for the ball drop. For $10, an individual could purchase a golf ball for the drop. Prizes were available for the two balls to get closest to the hole and the one ball that was the furthest away including a $100 gift certificate to Hannaford Supermarket, a $50 gift certificate to Wal-Mart, and a $25 gift certificate to Shaw's Supermarkets.  At the end of the tournament, a bucket containing the balls was dropped from the balloon and in the direction of a hole dug directly below in the ground.

"I think it certainly helped," DeStefano said, saying the effort to promote the drop was a little last minute but worked. "It was a nice promotion, it benefits the kids and I think we raised $800 by doing it."  "My guess is (we're) hoping we'll do it next year," said Teresa Forbes, office manager for Re/Max Bayside.  Additionally attendees could also pay $5 for a tethered ride in the Re/Max balloon piloted by Chris Mooney.  Proceeds raised at the tournament go to the Lakes Region Board of Realtors Scholarship Fund, which gives out $1,500 scholarships to students chosen by their guidance counselors in 12 school districts.