Main Event: Fundraiser, new partnership fit Rochester YMCA to a tee

A perfect way to spend a beautiful fall afternoon. A very worthwhile cause. A new and terrific partnership. Such was the Rochester Area Famly YMCA 's golf outing fundraiser, Fore the Kids, Sept. 18 at Eastwood Golf Club.

The event raised $6,358, which was up from last year, said Sarah Brandt, of the YMCA. Seventy-seven golfers participated.

"Everyone had such a great time," Brandt said. "But it's not just about the money. At the end of the day, it really is about the people and the good time that people had."

The YMCA was celebrating its new partnership with another nonprofit organization, the Rochester Ice Hawks, whose players are doing their conditioning at the YMCA.

"They bring such energy to our facility when they are here. They're awesome," Brandt said.

Hawks player Josiah Habighorstwas at hole 14, which is considered the most difficult, for the afternoon. Golfers were able to "buy-a-drive," and Habighorst raised about $100 off that alone.

Dave Springer, of KAAL-TV, accompanied him on the hole. One golfer noted that "Josiah hit it farther than any human should be able to hit a ball."

Michelle Altmansaid, "It's a beautiful course, and I'm enjoying the putting contest. This is a very good time."

The Olmsted County Deputy Associationhad decided to support several groups this year.

"We looked around to see what was available, and we're happy and excited to have chosen the YMCA," said Jeff Coe, a member of the association.

Another member, Doug Marcotte, won the putting contest. "It was my first time in the contest," he said. "We have over 125 people in our association, so it's a good-size group, and this is a worthwhile cause."

Jorrie Johnson, of Rochester Women magazine and a board member at the YMCA, said she was enjoying the day.

"It's good to see so many supporters of the Y, people I know and new faces, too," Johnson said.

Evening brought relaxation for the golfers and a chance to see who had the high bid on the silent auction items. Five From Fox TV were there to emcee. Jessica Ihrke, chef of Eastwood Grill, offered a buffet spread on the patio.

"The golfers are hungry and come at various times, so we prepared a make-your-own-sandwich spread along with salads. They keep me hopping, replenishing the trays," she said with a grin.

Angie Dieterich, membership sales director at the YMCA, said people like a four-person best-shot tourney. "It goes faster, and there is less stress on the golfers," she said.

"100 percent of the net proceeds go to member, program and camp scholarships. It's for those with a proven financial need who want a healthier lifestyle," Dieterich said.

In 2012, the YMCA served more than 14,000 people from diverse communities in the Rochester area. The YMCA provided more than $216,275 in direct financial assistance for memberships and programs last year.

The YMCA is at 709 First Ave. S.W.

1/8: Sarah Brandt, left, and Crystal Sobotta pose in a golf cart they decorated for the YMCA's FORE THE KIDS golf tournament at Eastwood Golf Course in Rochester. "It gets people together out being active and having fun," Brandt said about the annual event.

2/8: From left, Jacque Tummons, Angie Dieterich, Sheryl Jones and Heather Holmes finish a hole at Eastwood Golf Course in Rochester. "It's just a fun cause. We're raising money for swimming lessons, summer camps, scholarships and for helping people that are underprivileged financially that want to live a healthier life," said Dieterich.

3/8: Carla Beem hits an iron during the YMCA's FORE THE KIDS fundraiser at Eastwood Golf Course in Rochester.

4/8: Ricky Ties, left, and Max Anderson play a round of golf during the FORE THE KIDS fundraiser at Eastwood Golf Course in Rochester. "We're here to support the new People's Co-op," said Anderson.

5/8: Kyle Senne lines up a putt during a fundraiser at Eastwood Golf Course in Rochester.

6/8: From left, John Beem, Stephanie and Steve Courts and Carla Beem play the back nine at Eastwood Golf Course during YMCA's FORE THE KIDS fundraiser event in Rochester. "Last year we gave away almost 225 thousand dollars in scholarship programs so we're trying to raise funds for our mission," said Steve Courts, the CEO and executive director of YMCA Rochester.

7/8: General manager of Rochester Motorcars Mike Enke hits an iron beside Tom Weed, center, and Brian Schulz, left, during the YMCA's FORE THE KIDS fundraiser at Eastwood Golf Course in Rochester.

8/8: Dana Ellefson sinks a putt at Eastwood Golf Course in Rochester. "It's always nice to have a little fundraiser for the kids and to help out. And, we love playing golf," Ellefson said.