Golf tourney a boon to the Basket

The Kateri Food Basket is celebrating the success of the 12th annual Orville Standup Memorial Golf Tournament, which raises money for the organization whose mission is helping Kahnawa’kehró:non in need.

By the end of the day’s event, held at the Lafleur Golf Club, $10,200 had been amassed, but according to Kateri Food Basket coordinator Cory Rice, a total of $13,450 was raised after more donations poured in on Sunday and Monday.

Rice originally chose golf because of his grandfather Orville Standup’s passion for the sport.

“My grandfather was a golfer,” said Rice. “He played golf since he was young. And we had a Friday night league that we played in, and he also played in it. So, you know, his passion and raising money for the Food Basket, I figured, go hand in hand.”

The other factor in Rice’s decision to hold the fundraiser during the summertime was because he knew people often give donations during the winter months, but not really during the summer months.

“One of the reasons why I have the golf tournament is to offset some of the costs of ordering and purchasing food that we’re short on,” he said.

Rice said the success of the tournament is a group effort.

“I thank all the players that came out and made the day successful. All the people who donated, and all our sponsors. Without them this event wouldn’t be a success. I’m glad we were able to surpass our mark. It’s that much more to help our community,” he said.

According to Rice, 136 players came out to play golf and out of those, one team became victorious: Jeffrey Diabo’s team came out on top.

Rice’s daughter Macy worked at the golf tournament as a volunteer from the Kateri Food Basket, and said it was easy to work with Cory as not only is he her father, but also because they’ve done this for so many years.

“It’s kind of like routine for us,” said Macy.

Along with Cory, Macy shares the same sentiment that the total they reached this year totally surpassed their expectations.

“I was really overwhelmed with how well it went this year,” said Macy, who volunteered for 15 years and now works at the organization. “It makes me happy to see the people coming in that really need stuff.”

During the summer months, the Food Basket looks for items such as canned goods, peanut butter, or non-perishable goods, according to Macy.

Those in need should also not hesitate to reach out.

“Don’t be afraid to come by. Everything here is for the community,” Macy said. “Some people, they get nervous to come by because they feel like they’re taking away stuff from other people. But it’s here for everybody.

“We have a lot of stuff here. No one should ever be afraid to come by. Just check us out. We do lunch on Wednesdays if anybody wants to come by.”

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