The golf season is upon us once again! If you haven’t put your clubs to good use like I have this winter, it’s time to dust off the sticks and get ready for the Fourth Annual IAM Local 261 Employee Assistance Golf Tournament.
For those of you who are not familiar with the whys and wherefores of this
event, a brief history: In 2006, my
wife Gena contracted leukemia.
Because of such an outpouring of generosity from you, the employees at the
Medford facility, in support of my family in our time of need, I was moved to
return the kindness by doing something to help others who may be enduring
similar trials. After much
discussion, the idea for annual fundraisers to help employees in need came
about.
Raffles, bowling tournaments, and a golf tournament are some of the ways we raise money for the fund. Union member employees of Timber Products Medford facility and their immediate family members are eligible to receive assistance from the fund. This money is intended to cover costs over and above insurance benefits - gas needed to travel to medical appointments, etc.
If you our your immediate family need assistance from the fund, please contact a committee member - Barbara Robertson, Wade Lindsay, Wayne Boyd, Clyde Harris, or Don Peterson - they’ll be happy to provide information.
Our very first golf tournament in 2007 was a huge success, and a big chunk of the proceeds went to Barbara Robertson, who was undergoing cancer treatment at the time. She and her husband Bruce can attest not only to the benefit of some extra money in their time of need, but also to knowing that their co-workers at Timber Products care about them and their families.
To date, because of your willingness to share, the fund has provided 14 families with assistance. Quite an accomplishment!
There is another family that needs our help. Shelly, the wife of Ismael DeLaTorre, and sister of Jose Luna, is undergoing the battle against cancer. The proceeds of the raffle held in conjunction with the golf tournament this year will go directly to this family. The proceeds of the golf tournament will go into the employee assistance fund as before.
You can help - not only by buying raffle tickets, but by donating items or services to the raffle. Hobbies are a good way to help out. Donna Brumback, wife of retired employee Dave Brumback, donated a beautiful quilt for the Christmas raffle. Gena makes golf blankets each year, so if you’re feeling especially artsy-crafty, donate some of your work. Jay Wood always makes something special, as do Cheryl and Lon Stockebrand.
We are always grateful to the businesses and individuals who sponsor one or more holes for the golf tournament. Connie Himes and Ed Standridge have chipped in each year as individual hole sponsors. If you have ideas, suggestions, or know of a business that would be interested in donating products or sponsoring a hole, please let us know.
Each year we have a hole-in-one sponsor. Mike Hicks sponsored the event last year, and the Criswell family the year before. Here’s a chance to make some lucky golfer $10,000.00 richer for only $160.00.
Entry fees are a large portion of our dollar intake, so sign up for the challenge and fun. Thanks to all of you for playing.
This year’s event will be held at Cedar Links Golf Course on Saturday, June 26, 2010. Further information will be provided at a later date, with sign-ups available throughout the plant.
Remember - this is your fund, your money.
If you need help, ask for it.
Dan Criswell, Tournament Director