Tee time set for annual scholarship golf tournament

• Woodbury Chamber of Commerce golf tournament

A golfer makes a shot at last year’s Woodbury Chamber of Commerce Annual Scholarship Tournament. Submitted photo

Talk about it

More than two decades ago, a golf tournament was started in honor of Woodbury’s first City Administrator Jim Lacina who died in a car accident and left behind his wife and two young children.

The tournament was to benefit the Lacina family and help pay for college. But even after the family no longer needed the funds, the tradition continued on.

The 26th annual High School Scholarship Golf Tournament is slated for Monday, June 11 at Prestwick Golf Club.

“His children no longer needed the money but decided to continue in that spirit to raise funds for students in the area,” said Travis Martinson, Woodbury Chamber of Commerce executive director.

The tournament is hosted by the Woodbury Chamber of Commerce and is sponsored by area businesses including North American Banking Co., which is the title sponsor for the seventh year.

Last year the event raised $7,500 and awarded scholarships to students who will speak at this year’s tournament.

There were five $1,000 scholarships given to high school seniors, one $1,000 award to a nontraditional student attending Rasmussen College and a $1,500 scholarship to the YMCA for various programs.

“We really do a wide sweep of types and age ranges,” Martinson said.

Every year the tournament attracts between 120 and 140 golfers, she added, and sponsorships from various businesses.

The golf tournament has been raising thousands of dollars for years, Martinson said, including one where $13,000 in scholarships were awarded to students.

Students are able to apply through their schools, but also online. A committee determines the winners.

“This year we probably had about 70 applications and they have a hard time,” Martinson said of the committee members. “They’re a very, very good wide variety of students.”

The 2011 tournament raised funds for 2012 graduating seniors as well as the nontraditional programs. Funds raised from this year will be awarded to students next year.

“It’s the business community supporting the education community, supporting the Chamber,” Martinson said. “It all really goes hand in hand. It just makes sense.”

The tournament will kick off at 11 a.m. with lunch, registration and opening of the driving range. The all-day event ends with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m. and the awards banquet at 7 p.m.

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