Gifts galore at the annual SBWGA holiday luncheon

Ret Convey

Wintry weather, (Arizona style), festive tables decorated with holiday poinsettias and beautiful garlands framing the Catalina mountains combined to create the perfect atmosphere for the SBWGA’s annual Pick your Partner holiday luncheon.

The special afternoon of giving was kicked off by our sponsors and newest family members, Kevin and Amelia Schaefer from Spirit West Estate Planning. Kevin presented a $1000 check to match the funds collected during the SBWGA’s Great Piggy Bank Project of 2017.

Deanna McCann presented the $2000 to Karen Cummins, President of the Arizona Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, who expressed gratitude to both Spirit West and the generous ladies of the SBWGA.

Gifts were presented to Bernie and his staff in recognition of their hard work and help in making the SBWGA the vibrant organization it is. Bernie in turn has a gift for the SBWGA: a new set of red/aqua tees! Bernie explained, “The new combo tees will provide a higher course rating for ladies and they will not lose as many strokes during Tuesday play days when moving forward. The new combo will help players as they begin to lose distance off the tee and enable them to reach some of the longer holes in fewer strokes.”

We thank Bernie for his consideration and look forward to playing from our new tee boxes!

Molly Fullerton treated us to fantastic golf in the Ace of Aces tournament earning the 2017 ACE title with a gross score of 84, and Brenda Brown gave us a thrill with her net score of 62, becoming our new Net ACE of the year. We congratulate both Molly and Brenda for fabulous, focused golf!

Speaking of fabulous, focused golf, Geri Sandilands received a beautiful crystal cactus in recognition of her victory in the Cactus Classic tournament and congratulations went to Venetia Lewis, our over-all winner of the 2017 Southern District Telegraph Tournament.

The great Golf Santa bestowed a Christmas hole-in-one on Carol Bidwell and Brenda Brown received her “Break 80” pin—a great accomplishment! Eleven ladies shared the pot for chip-ins, which has to be a record!

The two tournaments coming up, President’s Cup and the SaddleBrooke Cup are in the works and so is the new Breakfast General Meeting, which may just beat Old Man Frost Delay at his own game!

We said goodbye with much appreciation to our 2017 Board. Outgoing President Sheila Clarkin received her President’s Medallion and presented the gavel to our new President Venetia Lewis. Welcome to our new Board: Sherry Fitzpatrick, vice president; Karen Vander Jagt, treasurer; Charley Johnson, handicaps; Sandra Murray, Tuesday play-day; Sally Drennen, membership and Sarah Earnest, secretary.

We recognized our past presidents for their service and leadership both during their time in office and now, as they continue to support our organization tirelessly through their volunteer efforts. Their commitment to the SBWGA is truly the gift that keeps on giving!