An event to raise money to buy disabled-accessible golf carts is just a chip shot away, but sponsorships and donations can still be made, according to organizers.
A Hero’s Outing at Turkey Creek Golf Center on July 2 will allow all service members to play golf for free on the center’s Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible nine-hole course. Organizers hope to be able to raise $45,000 to buy three golf carts for the center.
Turkey Creek already has one disabled-accessible golf cart that was previously donated. Organizers hope they can raise enough money to buy three more carts, which cost $15,000 each, and allow disabled residents from the area to play in foursomes.
“Last time I checked, we had at least (enough money for) one, and we’re still working on money for a second,” organizer Hank Stratman said.
Stratman, a retired Army major general who served in Operation Desert Storm, the Cold War, the first Gulf War and other conflicts, said the hope is to start a yearly golf outing for veterans from around the region, during Jefferson City’s Salute to America festivities, even if it does not serve as a fundraiser in future years.
Turkey Creek has artificial turf greens, which allow wheelchairs and carts to drive on them. Disabled-accessible golf carts use hydraulics to help veterans or other disabled people with severe disabilities stand or pivot their seat so they can swing a golf club.
Disabled golfers at the event will be able to use the existing disabled-accessible cart or other carts if their disabilities allow them to use regular golf carts, Stratman said.
Participants will also be able to fish from an ADA-accessible dock on the center’s 3-acre lake. Volunteer golf pros and volunteers from Runge Nature Center will be on hand to help golfers and anglers.
Sponsorships cost $600 for one participant and $2,000 to sponsor a team of four. Area hotels are offering special rates for veterans who come to town for the holiday’s events. Food, music and a cool place for participants to take a break from the festivities will also be available during the outing.
Stratman said people can donate money or volunteer to pass out T-shirts and help golfers on the day. Donations can be sent to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1003 at 217 E. Capitol Ave. and be addressed to A Hero’s Outing, Stratman said.
“Any donation is acceptable,” Stratman said.
For more information, call Turkey Creek owner Danny Baumgartner at 573-659-1961 or Pat Rowe Kerr at 573-462-9531. For information and sponsorship forms, email [email protected].