Submitted by Gail Smith
The weather was perfect for the inaugural Richard Whalen Memorial Golf Scramble on Saturday, September 12. Ten teams, comprised of four golfers each, played in the tournament at the Hoosick Falls Country Club to honor a beloved family member, friend and respected member of our community, Judge Richard Whalen.[private]
In addition to honoring Whalen, the tournament raised funds for a scholarship to be awarded to a graduating Hoosick Falls Central School District senior, regardless of where they attend school, who exhibits the kind of patriotism that Whalen did. Fundraising expectations were far exceeded, as monies poured in through tournament fees, a 50/50 raffle, Chinese and live auctions, and donations. Thanks to all participants and donors for your generosity.
After a barbeque lunch, and just before tee-off, Whalen’s wife Joyce and son Kevin raised the Town of Hoosick Tribute Flag, in his honor, and the gathered group recited the Pledge of Allegiance afterwards. “Liberty” flew over the golf course for the afternoon during the scramble. It was a fitting tribute.
Three teams ended the nine holes tied, but a tie-breaker determined that the team of Marcus and Lisa Martinez and Tom and Angela Husser were the winners. The Hyde clan consisting of Art, Jenn, Jim and Kathy took second, and third went to Joyce Whalen, Gail Morin, Noreen Haynes and Kyle DeGraaf.
Winners of longest drive were Jim Shaw for men, and Angela Husser for the women.
The sponsors would like to thank the Country Club; Mike Barratto, George Smith and Jeff Babson for the roles they played in helping pull this event off; volunteers Peggy Cottrell, Elaine Henry, Joyce Brewer, Lisa Martinez, and Janice Kimball; all those who contributed items for the Chinese Auction and the people who purchased tons of tickets to take a chance on the items. It appeared as though Jerry McAuliffe must have purchased half of the tickets sold, or else he had a very lucky day! Thank you also to those who gave monetary donations.
The tournament was a collaborative effort between Voice of a Vet, Joyce and Kevin Whalen and the HF Country Club. The group will meet to work through the guidelines for the scholarship and will get them into the hands of those who can make students aware of how they can qualify.
As for next year. It was determined without a doubt that this will be an annual event. All teams said they’d like to play again, and there are already a couple of others lined up.
Thanks again to all who played a role in making the day a tremendous success. The event was an excellent celebration of The Honorable Richard P. Whalen’s life.
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