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Charity Golf Tournament Raises Record Amount Despite Pandemic

By Stephen Hunt
Rambler Newspapers
2:21 PM on Oct 1, 2020

Irving — The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on every sector of the worldwide economy. Non-profit organizations feel the pandemic pinch as donations drop as many Americans lose jobs, are furloughed, laid off or see their work decrease. Decreased donations adversely affect the positive impact these organizations can make in their communities.

Luckily the Communities In Schools of the Dallas Region’s, Inc. (CISDR) annual golf tournament is normally held in late September and went off without a hitch at Hackberry Creek Country Club in Irving on Monday, Sept. 28.

Their ninth tournament and the third held at Hackberry Creek proved to be their most successful with around 100 players and generous local companies helping to raise over $150,000.

“People are itching to be able to [play golf],” Cameron Hernholm, chief advancement officer for CISDR said. “The DFW area is such a charity event-heavy location normally, but so many events have been cancelled. This is actually a charity event as well as golf.

“We’re completely happy with the support as well as the people who want to play.”

CISDR is a non-profit organization which embeds staff on school campuses to assist high-need students and families. The organization is currently in 85 elementary, middle, and high schools.

Even though the event did not have to be rescheduled, organizers made various tweaks to normal tournament procedures due to the pandemic. The entire event, including the awards ceremony and post-event dinner, which was a barbecue boxed dinner, was held outside.

A live auction tied to the event was also held virtually as players could bid on items by using phones, which they were given upon arrival that also allowed them to score their rounds.

“They are allowing events with social distancing inside the facility, but we thought it was better for us as an organization to conduct the tournament all outside,” Hernholm said.