Fairways for Kids Golf Tournament Supports Grieving Children

The Friends of Hospice of Santa Cruz County presented another successful Fairways for Kids Golf Tournament at Seascape Golf Club on May 2. Over 130 golfers came out for a day of golf, dinner and auctions which raised funds for Hospice of Santa Cruz County’s children’s grief support program. The program supports children who are grieving the loss of someone special through countywide support, in schools, and at the annual Camp Erin Santa Cruz.

Longtime Friends of Hospice volunteers and event co-chairs, Ginny Clark and Josie Cowden, welcomed the golfers as they grabbed their lunch and headed to the course. The Friends greeted them at the end of the day at the dinner, awards ceremony, and live and silent auction chaired by volunteer Sally Van Kaathoven.

A Scotts Valley High school freshman most recently named MVP of the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League, Candus Shi, volunteered as the tournament’s “gorilla” for those golfers wanting a little help with their drives. The Ambassadors at Seascape and members of the American Golf Foundation were on hand to transport volunteers to the greens, set up the tee signs, and start the tournament.

For over 35 years, the Friends of Hospice has been hosting community events to raise funds for Hospice of Santa Cruz County’s community programs. The volunteer auxiliary’s signature events, including the annual Fairways for Kids golf tournament, have raised over $2.5 million dollars for the local non-profit hospice organization. The Friends meet monthly and welcome new members to help plan and present fundraising events.

Hospice of Santa Cruz County is the community’s oldest and only non-profit hospice organization. For 40 years, the organization has honored the choices of individuals and families by providing exemplary end-of-life care and grief support.

The hospice program is enriched by community grief support, a children’s bereavement camp, transitional care and palliative care services, pet companion and music therapy programs, hospice care for veterans, and end-of-life education and outreach.

These programs are funded by the generous support of our community and local foundations. Hospice of Santa Cruz County serves approximately 3,500 Santa Cruz County residents annually.

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For information about becoming a Friends of Hospice volunteer, call (831) 430-3000 or visit hospicesantacruz.org