Golfers win $16,000 for KIDS Center at Hayden Homes Central Oregon Charity Championship tournament
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Four Oregon golfers won $16,000 for KIDS Center at the Hayden Homes Central Oregon Charity Championship on Thursday, Sept. 5 at Juniper Preserve. The one-day tournament featured 32 teams competing on behalf of 32 local nonprofits, hoping to win part of the $70,000 in donated prize money.
"The Central Oregon Charity Championship is like a U.S. Open for charity. It's competition meets community," said Central Oregon Charity Championship Director John Bladholm.
Long-time supporter Jeff Klein of Klein Investment Strategies organized a team for KIDS Center, which included Hayden Klein, Cort Benner, Dylan Cramer and Graham Schmaltz. The team tied for first place, securing half of the $30,000 purse. Cort Benner had the longest drive, winning an additional $1000 for KIDS Center.
“We are grateful to the golfers, Hayden Homes, and everyone who participated in the Central Oregon Charity Championship for helping support our community," says KIDS Center's Executive Director Gil Levy. "We are thrilled to be receiving these funds from the tournament at such a critical time.
"As kids get back to school and spend more time with teachers and other mandatory reporters, there's a seasonal spike in reports to law enforcement, child welfare and the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline. KIDS Center is already experiencing an increase in children and families referred to us for child abuse evaluations and other services."
If you would like to host an event to benefit KIDS Center, contact Barb Vella at bvella@kidscenter.org or call 541.508-4798.
About KIDS Center: Built by the community in 1994, KIDS Center is a local non-profit leading our region's response to child abuse. KIDS Center is where hope and healing begins for children and families who have experienced abuse. KIDS Center provides independent child abuse evaluations, therapy and family advocacy—at no cost to families. Information about KIDS Center can be found at: kidscenter.org or by calling, (541) 383-5958. Anyone with a concern about a child’s safety can call the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at: 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).
