| | |  Vallarta Living 
Toys for Tots Scores Big with Hole-In-One
 Jerry Lafferty - VallartaNavyLeague.org
December 15, 2010
| | Gentlemen - start your engines | |
The 12th Annual Toys for Tots Golf Tournament held this past Saturday at the Vista Vallarta Weiskopf course generated not only $150,000 pesos for this year's toy distribution, but the first ever Hole-In-One that earned the lucky and skillful player a brand new Toyota.
| | Hole-In-One winner Jan Skogen with Toyota representatives | | 
| | The Navy League's Jerry Lafferty with some of the golf prizes | | 
| | Long Drive winner Linda Coghill presented with new golf bag by Steve Nance | | 
| | Bill Liggett, Dorothy and Fred Piontkowski, Barbara and Larry Greenberg | | 
| | Irv and Donna Readerman, Paddy and Nick Rouse | | 
| | Best dressed team | |
The day was great for many reasons, not only the fabulous Hole-In-One and Toyota prize, but also a near record field of 102 players, perfect playing conditions, a bounty of prizes for participants, and smiling organizers of the Toys for Tots program in Puerto Vallarta.
I've heard of win-win situations, but Toys for Tots had a win-win-win - the Toys for Tots program, the players who had a great time while giving to charity, and the disadvantaged kids of PV who will be getting even more toys (and smiles) than would normally be the case.
The day began under warm and sunny skies, with golfers and volunteers arriving from all corners of Puerto Vallarta and from around the world. There were Mexicans and expats, men and women, low handicappers and beginners.
The winning team included well known local residents and Toys for Tots sponsors Dennis Whitelaw of the Marriott, K.C. Crandall of Vista Vallarta, Becas co-President Carlos Fregoso, Don Eastcott of No Name Cafe and Don's nephew Steve Eastcott.
The winning mixed male/female team were American tourists who stayed over an extra two days just to participate in this fun event. Many other prizes were won for longest drives, closest to the pin, and highest team score, among others.
The biggest winner of all, other than Toys for Tots, was Jan Skogen, originally from Norway but now residing part-time in Puerto Vallarta. He won a sparkling new Toyota by scoring a Hole-In-One on Par 3 Hole #13. The shot was witnessed not only by Jan's playing partners, but representatives from the local Toyota agency and the Navy League, organizers of Toys for Tots Vallarta.
Shouts of utter shock and joy reverberated around the 200 acres of the Weiskopf course and brought a large crowd to find out what had happened. Afterwards, Vista Vallarta hosted a delicious and abundant buffet as adult beverages flowed in great abundance to celebrate Jan's rare feat.
The success of this year's golf tournament was due to many gracious volunteers and sponsors. Volunteers came mostly from the Navy League. Sponsors included the host Vista Vallarta Golf Club, the Marriott CasaMagna Resort and Spa, Toyota, TaylorMade/adidas Golf Company and many other local businesses. They generously covered nearly 100% of the tournament's expenses, permitting nearly all of the $150,000 pesos raised to be spent on toys. A big thanks to these very generous and caring supporters of the less advantaged kids around the Bahía de Banderas.
Next up for Toys for Tots is the annual gala dinner/dance at the Marriott on Sunday, December 19. This is always a great way to complement the joyous Christmas and holiday season, while helping some of our neediest kids.
Tickets are attractively priced at $800 pesos/person, and include a gourmet dinner prepared by the award-winning Marriott chef, cocktails all evening, and a dance band that will keep you on your feet. There will also be a silent auction that's arguably the best in town, and door prizes galore. Tickets are available by calling Carol Smith at 044-322-137-4902, or Bill Clark at (322) 222-3616.
The Puerto Vallarta Navy League provides an opportunity to socialize as well as "give back" to our local community. For more information, visit VallartaNavyLeague.org, or send an email to clarkbill(at)earthlink.net. |
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