Golf tourney will raise funds for Habitat for Humanity

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. 

HAMLIN TWP. — Habitat for Humanity is offering up a unique combination for a fundraiser this Saturday: The Raise the Roof Golf Scramble will feature sandwiches and beverages throughout the course. It will also feature a pork barbecue sandwich dinner at the end, a 50/50 raffle and of course, cash payouts.

Adam Sheren of West Shore Bank is one of the event’s organizers. He said the idea was based on a similar tournament held up in Manistee that features soup at every hole.

“I think it’s a different concept,” he said. “Most golf tournaments have a beverage and food cart that goes around the course. This one will have food and beverages stationed throughout the course.”

The tourney will be held at Hemlock Golf Course on West Decker Road. Entry is $85 per person; $45 for Hemlock members.

“The whole purpose of the tournament is to raise funds to help pay for professional services for the homes we build,” said Meaghan Greene of Western Land Services, another event organizer. Both Sheren and Greene are board members for Habitat for Humanity of Mason County. “We have a lot of great volunteers who help us build our homes,” Greene said. “But, there are some areas that require licensed contractors.”

Habitat for Humanity has been building homes in Mason County since 1993. The next scheduled home will be at 405 N. Thomas St. in Scottville.

Sheren and Greene said they have received enough sponsorships to cover the costs of the tournament, which means that entry fees will help go towards fund raising. In addition, an anonymous donor has offered to match whatever profit is made at the tournament.

“We are just amazed at how supportive this community is for Habitat,” Greene said. “This is just a great way to come out, have fun and help those families in our community who need a little extra boost.”

Habitat for Humanity does not give houses to people. Instead, the homeowners invest hundreds of hours of their own labor into building their Habitat house and the houses of others. Habitat then sells the home at no profit and receives financing with affordable loans.

If the family decides to sell, Habitat has the first option to buy back the house. Greene said that the organization is in the process of buying back one of its homes, which means this year two families will receive Habitat homes.

For more information, visit the Habitat for Humanity Facebook page here.