Event Coordinator Hans Purkott (l) and Fr.  Elser
Event Coordinator Hans Purkott (l) and Fr. Elser
The sixth annual golf event to benefit St John’s Catholic School in Hot Springs was the most profitable one to date, as it raised over $9,500, primarily due to the fact that there were 35 teams with 140 golfers, including five women’s teams, who braved the hot and humid weather.  The  Knights of Columbus Councils in Hot Springs and in Hot Springs Village along with Sacred Heart of Jesus Church sponsored the event. It was chaired by Hans Purkott once again, with very capable assistance from Ralph Melenson, who successfully contacted many of the businesses for contributions.

Played at Magellan, this is the first time that the tourney was held on an HSV course.  It had a 9:30am shotgun start, and some foursomes finished in 4 1/2 hours, with all completing the 18 holes in less than five.

Chuck Wagon Joe and his crew prepared an excellent BBQ lunch that was served at the Balboa pavilion.  In another change this year, $20 lunch tickets were available to spouses and friends who did not play golf – 38 were purchased.

The event grossed over $19,000, and there was another $6,500 in gift certificates for prizes.  St. Vincent Hospital was a Corporate donor ($1,500); David Meyers and Sam’s Club were Diamond donors ($1,000); DeGray State park Golf Course, Diamante Golf Club, Hot Springs Country Club, and Pleasant Valley Country Club were Gold sponsors ($500-$999); twenty five businesses were Silver sponsors ($300); sixteen businesses and individuals were Bronze sponsors ($100); and, there were seven Friends of Knights (less than $100).

There were eight young men from the KC Squires in Hot Springs sold drives for $20-$30 per team on a par 5 hole, and they collected $800 for a suicide prevention program.  A casino hole raised $380 to support Squire programs.

The scores for golfers from Council 10208 follow with score and placement:
56 4th 1st flight 
Larry Stein
Rick Meyer
Tom Huber
Bill Friedman
58 5th 1st flight
Al Bilgischer
Tom Powel
Gene Caprio
Tony Russo
59 7th 1st flight
Ronald Boudreaux
Terry O`Brien
Bob Rodgers
Kevin Rodgers
59 10th 1st flight
Scott Krantz  
Dan Murphy  
Bill Patterson
Ed Miller
61 13th 2nd flight
Ralph Melenson
Father Bill Elser
Robert Steinpres
Tom Conrad
62 1st 2nd flight
Clyde Porterfield
Phil Stephenson
Dick Palinko
Bill Gray
66 6th 2nd flight
John Bodensteiner
Russ Harrison
John Sutey
Tom Thornton
67 8th flight 2
Dave Witchger
Bob Heisler
Randy Bussone
Jack Widlowski
67 8th flight 2
Bill Hartnett
Gary Wolfer
Rad Woodart
Danny French
67 10th 2nd flight
Tom Donnelly   
Tom Auel    
Mike Spaniel
Sam Justus
67 11th 2nd flight 
Chuck MacDonald
Larry Lipsmeyer
Tom Coburn
72 15th 2nd flight
Paul Schnoebelen
Randy Schnoebelen
Bill Gribbon
Jimmy Rogers

Next year’s fundraiser will be held at the same course on July 18.  The plan is to have two shotgun starts, which will allow for more foursomes.

See pictures by clicking PHOTOS.