Fast Farms Wins FMDH Foundation Golf Tourney

For The Courier

Despite the mass amounts of rain that delayed the 16th annual FMDH Foundation Open Golf Tournament, the weather cooperated on Sunday, Sept. 7 – and it was game on. The 24 teams came out to support a great cause and great community.

Placiing first was the Fast Farms team of Doug Nistler, Tim Dees, Steve Bell and Dave Wilkowski.

Rounding out the top four were Markle's Inc. (Lee Nelson, Kris Simensen, Marc Breigenzer, Carson Buffington) in second. Independence Bank (Sam Mudlin, Pete Helland, Chris Helland and Buck Archambeault) in third, the fourth place entry of Lafon Copenhaver, Mike Boulds, Morris Tattoo, Noel Sansaver.

Tying for fifth were Gaffaney's (Dan Belleau, Dean Jensen, Susan Johnson and Mike Slaats) and Nemont (Ed Stein, Sally Stein, Taylor Strommen and Nate Hopstad).

Each team registered, had breakfast, and was ready to tee off by 9 a.m. Every hole featured a different game for men, women or everyone with the winner taking home prizes donated by local businesses. The games were designed so that both experienced and inexperienced golfers alike had chances to win. In addition, the marshmallow game sponsored by the foundation & the Nemont game were enjoyed between holes.

"The FMDH Foundation is extremely fortunate that this fundraising tournament is well sponsored by local businesses showing their support of the foundation's mission,"

FMDH Foundation Director Mary Kate Tihista said. (Sponsors are listed in the FMDH Foundation's thank you ad on Page 2B.)

Premier event sponsors were TransCanada and Northwestern Energy. Hi-Line Ford sponsored the hole-in-one prizes of a 2014 Ford F150 pickup and Ford Edge, which went were not won. Hole in one watchers were Ardell Thorson and Staci Belleau.

Foundation board members Jon Bengochea, Pam Dance, Della Gardner, Shelly George, Carrie Mesman, Stan Ozark, Butch Tewell, Tracey Waarvik and Karla Zerbe planned the event, the foundation's major fundraiser.Other key volunteers included Dan Frost, Becky Johnson, Martha Tewell and Image Photography.

The barbecued pork dinner was sponsored by Thrivent Financial and prepared by Butch Tewell and Randy Gough. Stan Ozark conducted the awards ceremony.

The foundation's mission is to provide financial support to Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital and other medically needed projects in Valley County, ensuring that the medical services provided are of the highest quality.