A hole in one
Play golf and save the world. It’s not as simple as that, of course, but a very profitable golf tournament in Colorado is having a positive impact on people in need around the world.
The Western Union Foundation’s 2007 Charity Tournament, played Aug. 20 at Castle Pines Golf Club, raised $300,000 – or nearly 35 percent more than last year. The money is awarded in the form of grants to nonprofit agencies and is used for disaster relief, education and basic human services. Since 2001, the foundation has awarded $40 million to some 1,500 nonprofit organizations in 70 countries.
The tournament was held the same week that the foundation gave $200,000 to disaster-relief efforts worldwide, including a $50,000 grant to CARE USA to help in earthquake- damaged Peru; a $100,000 for Red Cross Red Crescent to assistance in Nepal, Bangladesh and India; and $50,000 to Mercy Corps to fund efforts in Pakistan.
“Everyone at the foundation was overwhelmed by the generous response to the tournament,” said Scott Scheirman, chairman of the foundation board and executive vice president and chief financial officer for Western Union. “Our employes know that by working together, we can facilitate global economic empowerment by helping families stay connected, overcome barriers and realize their dreams.”
More good news
Mayor and former board member John Hickenlooper is the keynote speaker when Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado presents its 2007 Colorado Land Stewardship Awards at a reception that begins at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Denver Botanic Gardens. Recipients include Susie Crane, The Park People and VOC’s National Forest Foundation partners, the Copper, Durango, Vail and Winter Park ski resorts. Call 303-715-1010.
As the countdown to the 2007 Race for the Cure begins, numerous “for the cure” events are coming to light. The Hotel Teatro , for example, is having Stay for the Cure, donating 10 percent for each room booked for the night of Oct. 7 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The Stay for the Cure Package ($245 single and $265 double) includes a pink boa and Susan G. Komen pink ribbon for each guest, a Hotel Teatro sun visor, a large bottle of Fiji water and an aromatherapy bath. Call 303-228-1113.
Massage Envy, meanwhile, raised a big sum through its Massage for the Cure event recently held at the Denver and Colorado Springs salons. Regional franchise director Larry Reiff presented a $34,785 check to president Marilyn Saltzman and executive director Valerie Chilewski of the Komen Denver affiliate. An additional $3,758 went to the Colorado Springs chapter.
