Gila Ridge golf program tees off at second annual Birdie Bash fundraiser
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Gila Ridge Hawks golf program took to the course Saturday for the second annual Birdie Bash fundraiser. Bringing local golfers together for a day of competition, community and support.
A total of 22 teams competed at Mesa del Sol Golf Course, with proceeds from the event going toward helping support the Hawks golf program and its student-athletes.
Gila Ridge girls head golf coach Araceli Hermoso Palacios said the fundraiser plays an important role in providing athletes with the resources they need to succeed.
“This fundraiser is very important for us because we need to provide our students or athletes with the things that they need to succeed in the sport,” Palacios said. “They create that unity in between the team and community and all the support we get from them makes them feel noticed.”
The tournament featured a variety of ways for golfers to compete while also giving back. Participants could challenge a Gila Ridge golfer on the eighth hole, with challengers earning an additional raffle ticket if they won with the better ball.
For Hawks senior golfer Trevor Campbell, the event provided an opportunity to enjoy some friendly competition while helping his teammates.
“I think it’s a great thing for our team,” Campbell said. “Helps the new players get bags whenever they don’t have them. Even new clubs. They get balls as well. It’s great to have all these people out and compete against the older gentleman out here. It’s always a fun time.”
Sophomore golfer Chase Toomey, a new addition to the Hawks golf team, said the event also helped bring the team closer to members of the community.
“Bringing people together, it just opens everyone up,” Toomey said. “Some of these people don’t even golf. They come out here once a year just to play in these tournaments. It’s cool that we get to come out here and do stuff like this and be able to fundraise. Get money for the team, it’s awesome.”
Campbell said seeing friends, family and other supporters come out for the event made the fundraiser especially meaningful.
“It means a lot to me,” Campbell said. “I mean I see a lot of people I know come out here. Support me, friends and family all the time. It just means a lot. I love to see people out here.”
With the funds raised through the Birdie Bash, the Hawks hope to continue building their program and providing their golfers with the equipment and resources they need throughout the season.
