By Mary O’KEEFE

On Friday, June 26 the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament was held at Scholl Canyon Golf Course.

For about 25 years the CVCOC golf tournament has raised funds for the Chamber’s scholarship program and anyone who has attended can attest there is a lot of “fun” attached to this “fundraising” event.

Festivities began early with check-in at 7:30 a.m. when golfers were met with a continental breakfast provided by Panera Bread. They then could practice their swing on the driving range. This gave participants the chance not only to catch up with old friends, but to share golfing tips with each other –some solicited, some not so much – but all in good natured and competitive fun.

Then it was into the golf carts and onto the course. The day was not too hot so the 18-holes were easy to complete. In addition to attempting to come in under par, special incentives helped golfers focus on their game. For example, there were three hole-in-one prize opportunities. Chris Aristo State Farm Insurance offered a $10,000 prize at one of the holes, Bob Smith Toyota dangled a Toyota Corolla prize at another and Montrose Travel enticed with a four-day Baja Cruise. Unfortunately, none of the more than 50 golfers made that sought-after hole-in-one.

Then it was back to the tents set up near the clubhouse for a meal of the now famous CVCOC grilled salmon and steak provided by Zeke’s.

During lunch golfers were reminded why they were there as students were presented with their scholarships. Normally the Chamber chooses four scholarship recipients but this year five were selected: Amanda Burch, Kathryn Davis, Lauren Harvey, Rebecca Suh and Allison Zadravecz. As a surprise to the students, Eric Menjivar from Assemblymember Mike Gatto’s office stopped by to give each student an additional financial gift for college.

This year there were a few new additions to the Chamber event. Golfers could get a chair massage, thanks to Massage Envy, and four professional stand-up comedians performed an improvisational show similar to “Whose Line is it Anyway?” during lunch.

“It was successful and we heard some very nice comments,” said Jean Maluccio, Chamber member. Maluccio added that an event the size of the golf tournament relied on contributions and support from many. This year’s supporters included beverage sponsor Foothill Partners of John Aaroe Group, event sponsors Dilbeck Real Estate – Mike Napolitana and Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, tee sponsors Andy’s Transfer & Storage, Bonner’s Party Rentals, Caspian Services, Inc., Cigar Empire, Crescenta-Cañada Pet Hospital, Crescenta Valley Water District, CV Weekly, JBoy Media, JR Hardware, Sash & Door, Panera Bread, Pizza Man, SportClips La Cañada, Taix Workout Studio, USC Verdugo Hills Hospital and Valley Automotive Group.

In addition, donors were Roy and Kathy Allmon, Ken and Pat Biermann, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Congressman Adam Schiff, Roger Dunn, DUPUY Desert Rentals, EPIQ Automotive, Golf Tec, Home Depot, Maluccio Company, Massage Envy, Scholl Canyon Golf Course, Sport Clips La Cañada, Tahquitz Canyon Golf Course and the YMCA of the Foothills.

Scholarship donors/supporters were Assemblymember Mike Gatto, Tuition Magician and Improv Comedy Show. Silent auction appreciation was extended to Pro Signatures Memorabilia.

  Mary Okeefe