The Valley Electric Charitable Foundation raised more than $30,000 at its inaugural Golf Classic on Saturday, Nov. 7, bringing 136 golfers, 27 sponsors and a group of volunteers together at Mountain Falls Golf Course in Pahrump.
Proceeds will stay within Valley Electric Association’s service area and go toward a community project selected by the foundation. Organizers plan to put the money raised each year toward a specific project that addresses a local need.
“The overwhelming support for our first Golf Classic exceeded our expectations,” said Amy Carlson, director of corporate affairs and community relations for Valley Electric Association. “This event showcased the generosity of our sponsors, players, and volunteers, all coming together with a shared goal of making a positive difference in our communities.”
Valley Electric employees established the foundation to give back to the communities they serve. Through grants and other investments, the foundation supports youth programs, senior services, local nonprofits, community improvements and programs that serve and honor veterans in Southern Nye County and surrounding areas.
On the course, the team of Solenski, Welker, Hart and Bridges took first place. Ancell, Ancell, Hopkins and Tillet finished second, followed by Sodhi, DiPasqualucci, Carlo and Shrader in third. Young, Champlin, Madrid and Rohlender earned the “Most Honest Team” award for their next-to-last finish.
Danny Rousel won the men’s longest-drive contest, and Robin Shrader won the women’s longest drive. Michael Von Hussen took the men’s closest-to-the-pin award, while the women’s contest ended without a winner. Carson Williams made the longest putt, and Koenig, Koenig, Floyd and Velazquez won the VCA Fastest Hole Competition.
GridLiance, Summit Line Construction, Powerline Law and Desert View Hospital backed the tournament as platinum sponsors. Arizona G&T Cooperatives, City Electric Supply, Kill-A-Watt Electric, Lee Ward Renewable Energy, NDX and Summit Line Construction provided corporate sponsorships.
The foundation also recognized Border States, JACO Power Services, CFC Bank, Summit Line Construction, Clearway Solar, The Ridge Realty Group, Premier Mortgage Resources, Motive, Saddle West Hotel & Casino and CoBank for sponsoring holes. T&D Power, Western United Electric Supply, Kaucky Tools, Nevada Rural Electric Association, CoreCivic, Tech Connect, Performance Concrete, TriCo Builders and Back Swing Golf also sponsored holes. The foundation thanks the staff at Mountain Falls Golf Course and the Grill Room for their help and hospitality throughout the day.
Organizers hope the Golf Classic will become an annual event. Carlson thanked those who helped make the first tournament a success and said she looked forward to welcoming golfers back.
“What makes this event especially meaningful is knowing that the funds raised will help bring an important community project to life,” Carlson said. “We look forward to building on this success and welcoming everyone back next year.”
