Fosdick Golf Benefit Celebrates 40 Years

The Fosdick Benefit Golf Tournament’s 40th Anniversary year has already been one for the books! With a record number of golfers and attendees, new and faithful donors, and some new systems in place, this philanthropic organization looks to continue its huge role in supporting Meadows Valley organizations and students while improving the community at large.

Leader Tom Anderson keeps high hopes every year for full funding of approved projects. This year, the group’s big goal was $85,000 and they are not too far off with over $79,000 brought in as of August 15 and more still arriving. The Fosdick welcomes additional donations at their mailing address below or via their website www.fosdickgolf.com/ through the end of September. Gaining full funding for the target goal helps the Fosdick fully fund requested donation amounts for approved organizations and student scholarships. For the second year in a row, an anonymous donor contributed $25,000 saying they keep donating because “every penny goes straight to causes in town”.

What began as a small fundraiser for a sole cause has grown into an organization with over 50 volunteers working together to raise tens of thousands of dollars every year to help fund community organizations and student scholarships in Meadows Valley. Organizers recognize that this fundraiser would not work without the generosity and support of the larger community. The Fosdick Benefit Golf Tournament took place over the first weekend in August beginning with the dinner and auction on Saturday, August 2 hosted at The Intersection BBQ, Bar & Grill.

Coordinator Candace Soderston reported over 150 people paid for the dinner this year. She said the evening’s events brought in a little over $20,000 from dinner tickets, games like the chicken drop, raffle tickets, and the live and silent auctions.

As dinner guests arrived they were welcomed to buy dinner and raffle tickets, peruse and bid on silent auction items, and check out options for the live auction. Use of the outdoor patio, stage, and adjoining outdoor areas was hosted by Intersection owners Russ and Larissa. High quality raw tri-tip and pork were provided by Shamrock Foods for Russ Tharp and his Intersection team, who worked their magic to create delicious dinner entrees. Leftover portions were auctioned off to raise even more money for the fundraiser.

A jovial Anderson kicked off the night welcoming everyone and remarking on the large turn out. He was introduced by Soderston as The Fosdick’s new CEO now that the group has officially gained 501c3 status this year.

Anderson warmed up the crowd with talk of auction items and introduced auctioneer Joe Malay, who is full of smart comments and quick numbers. The festive crowd responded well to each auction item and appreciated the annual chicken dance.

Sunday’s golf tournament brought another record with 108 golfers, up from 96 last year. The day began with breakfast and registration and the annual shotgun start. Part of the lead up to The Fosdick weekend is gathering hole sponsors. Over 60 sponsors participated this year.

Anderson said he is very proud of this “little golf tournament” and that it has been so successful and supported by the community. He said the organization has made a difference in just about every part of New Meadows. He continued saying what makes it a community thing is that these organizations don’t just receive, they also give back by helping with the event itself each year. Soderston said this is all a wonderful testament to this community and this organization.

Soderston joined this year as Coordinator and Anderson said she has been very detail oriented and is doing an awesome job. A retired user experience manager with large tech companies, Soderston has spent much of her time organizing details and reaching out to new and old supporters as well as working to get The Fosdick on the donor radar of larger organizations. She said each funding organization has different deadlines and cycles to keep track of, but the effort is worth it.

Soderston also recognized the many long term volunteers for Fosdick. She said “we couldn’t do it without all of them, it’s the whole community pitching in to raise funds for community needs and especially kids growing up here.”

Funding from the money raised this year will be granted to:

-Scholarships for Meadows Valley School graduates and adult residents at college & certified training institutes

-Meadows Valley School Art and Music Departments and playground equipment

-Meadows Valley Public Library for an expanded entryway

-Meadows Valley Planet Youth / Youth Advocacy Coalition to support activity fees, food & transportation for Meadows Valley students

-Meadows Valley Early Learning Coalition to support the completion of the new Childcare/Youth Center

-Meadows Valley Community Center for replacing windows

-New Meadows Farmers Market for programs to teach youth and parents how to plant, grow and cook with fresh produce and supplies for the Fall Festival

-Payette Lakes Ski Club to provide transportation from and to New Meadows for the after school ski program and to provide scholarships for Adams County students to learn to ski

-Ignite Idaho Family Resource Center to establish a regular physical presence in New Meadows and help families experiencing hardships

-Idaho Sled Dog Challenge for the WYE Checkpoint equipment and kids involvement

The scholarship program, which has given $117,000 over past years, helps students who are in college as well as people wanting to return to school or furthering education including technical training like CDL, welding, or other skill certifications. Scholarship recipients may continue to receive funding as long as they are still enrolled full time.

The Fosdick will host their awards dinner in October. This year’s recipients of the Friends of the Fosdick award are Corby and the late Dwight Dickey. The celebration dinner will honor them and all the recipients of the Fosdick awards.

Visit fosdickgolf.com for more information on future events or to donate online. Physical checks can be mailed to The Fosdick, P.O. Box 466, New Meadows, ID 83654.