The North Kohala Community Resource Center (NKCRC), a nonprofit that supports after-school programs and cultural activities, will hold its fifth annual golf tournament Saturday, March 5, at Hapuna Golf Course at Mauna Kea Resort.
"This fundraiser is critical to support NKCRC operations, and it is just one of two major fundraisers we do each year," Vicky Kometani, NKCRC vice president and chair of the golf tournament, told Big Island Times. "Otherwise, we rely on and are grateful for the many individual donors who believe in what we do and have supported us for many, many years."
The tournament will mark the 20-year anniversary of the organization. Last year's event, which was also held at the Mauna Kea Resort Golf Course, hosted 122 golfers.
"Island-wide community participation has been the cornerstone of NKCRC’s tournaments," Kometani said. "In 2022, we celebrate 20 years and we also celebrate millions of dollars of funding that has been funneled through NKCRC to worthwhile projects, which have in turn impacted hundreds and hundreds of people. By supporting the golf tournament, whether by playing, sponsoring a hole, becoming a corporate sponsor, or donating cash or prizes, it all makes a difference and allows staff to focus their efforts on the success of projects."
The tournament provides golfers with "a day of fun and camaraderie," Kometani said.
Prizes will be awarded to the first- through third-place teams and the 20th-place team in honor of the anniversary.
"The Hapuna Golf Course at Mauna Kea Resort is a beautiful resort course, and we are thankful for the generous support over the past five years afforded NKCRC by Mauna Kea Resort," Kometani said. "The tournament’s scramble format means any level of play is welcomed, and those new to the game will have just as much fun as scratch golfers."
The four-person scramble shotgun start will begin at 9 a.m. and last until 2 p.m.
Funds raised by by the tournament help pay for the salaries of three codirectors and the day-to-day operating and building expenses.
"The projects themselves are supported through NKCRC’s educational and grant-writing assistance, under our nonprofit umbrella, to find funding for their projects," Kometani said.
Golfers can register for the tournament at NorthKohala.org. The cost to participate is $160 per person, which includes a shared cart, green fees, practice facilities, lunch and prizes. Donations are welcomed, and sponsor opportunities are available.