Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Golf event benefits anti-drug campaign

Golf event benefits anti-drug campaign
By Bryanna Allen
STAFF WRITER | June 10,2014
 
Anthony Edwards / Staff Photo

Rutland City Police Chief James Baker tees off during Table 24’s sixth annual Golf Tournament, held as a benefit for Project VISION, at Green Mountain National Golf Course in Killington on Monday.
KILLINGTON — The golf course and sun deck were packed with people, each sporting a smile and sunglasses. Although the scene looked as though dozens of people were playing hooky on a sunny Monday, they were actually there to support a community cause.

The Green Mountain National Golf Course in Killington hosted the sixth annual fundraiser event sponsored by Table 24, which benefitted Rutland’s Project VISION. Project VISION is a community organization dedicated to responding appropriately to the drug-related problems facing Rutland.

“I’m thrilled with the turnout of the tournament,” said Steve Sawyer, owner and chef of Table 24. Sawyer organized the yearly fundraiser, which raised more than $15,000 last year that went toward the Purple Angel Foundation and Scholarship in memory of Carly Ferro.

This year, 29 teams of four or five purchased spots in the tournament and Sawyer said he hopes to reach $20,000 in donations between ticket sales and the silent auction later in the evening. Sawyer contacted both local businesses and national ones, such as the Boston Bruins hockey team and the Boston Red Sox to have them donate tickets to auction off during a dinner Monday night for the participants at Table 24.

“There are people from all over the county,” Sawyer said, as he geared up to hit the links. “It’s a diverse group, but represents Rutland well.”

Team Vermont Hydroponic consisted of four participants — all who seemed confident in matching uniforms as they revved the carts at the start of the tournament.

“We all really love Table 24,” said Jeff Jones. “And we love that it donates so much effort and money to a charitable cause. It’s great to be a part of it.”

Matt Kinsman, CFO at Killington, joked with Andy Rice about their golf clothes being from the early 1980s as they enjoyed the tournament for the second year.

“It’s important to give back to the community,” Kinsman said, focusing on perfecting his stance. “It’s a great cause.”

A few holes away, Rutland City Police Chief James Baker took a loaded swing at the ball.

“Steve Sawyer represents the type of person we need more of in the community,” he said.

Baker started the tournament off with a speech thanking Sawyer for being “willing to take a risk” by opening a business that has such a positive impact on the community. Baker said that when he left his house in the morning it was raining, but even before the sun decided to come out he knew the day would still be successful simply because of all the effort behind the tournament.

“Sawyer puts a lot of work into these events,” said Baker, who is an active supporter and member of Project VISION. “This is a big deal, it’s the first big investment made into the project.”

Bobby Peterson is the director of operations at the golf course and said he is “truly inspired by Steve Sawyer” and what he brings to the community he grew up in. The course was completely shut down to the public specifically to host the tournament. Peterson said it wasn’t only the great weather that brought people to the event, but the fact that they want to give back to the man who has given so much to the community.

“It’s a pleasure to host the event,” Peterson said. “It’s wonderful to work with someone who cares so much.”

@Tagline:bryanna.allen

@rutlandherald.com
 
 
Comment: Certainly a great effort by Sawyer addressing a pressing need in the region.
When did Bobby Peterson become director of operations? My understanding is he is a volunteer with no compensation. How can he be given that much responsibility and authority over other salaried employees of the golf course. I've always wondered how Bobby supports himself. Its been speculated that he is a "trust fund" baby and is independently wealthy. I wonder how anyone does a job with so much responsibility without getting compensated.
Vito

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