Golf Scramble serves up relief funds

Rain failed to dampen the fundraising efforts of the nearly 100 golfers who participated in the sixth annual Austin Community College Golf Scramble sponsored by SpawGlass Contractors Inc on Oct. 7 at the Riverside Golf Course.

The golf tournament, raised more than $19,000 for ACC's Student Emergency Fund through registration fees and sponsorships. Individuals contributed $75 while groups of four contributed $300 and course holes could be sponsored for $1,000 each.

Tournament proceeds will assist students who face medical, housing and other living expenses due to situations of misfortune, fire or illness, which might otherwise make it difficult for them to continue their education, according to Alicia Del Rio, coordinator of government and community relations at ACC.

Tournament participant Gonzalo Barrientos, who also supports a scholarship in honor of his deceased wife Emma, said "I play golf one time a year. I am here because I want to help ACC."

Thanks to supporters like Barrientos, the emergency fund has already distributed over $65,000.00 to students.

ACC Foundation board member and Golf Scramble founder John Hernandez said,

"The student emergency fund really can make a difference in students' lives," in an ACC press release.

At the conclusion of the fundraiser, ACC President/CEO

Richard Rhodes congratulated the winners. The three teams with best scores received plaques and a variety of golf equipment. The Rockford Business Interiors team, whose

members included Nate Walker, Hunter Willey, Moe Rodriguez and Van Willey, clenched first place while the ACC team of Neil Vickers, Tony Owens, Steven Gauna and Bill Vickers

took second place. ACC's Applied Technology team, which included Bill Woodhill, Gary Hampton, Irvin Miller and Christian Raymond, rounded out the top three.