Montezuma ‘Wave Fore the Kids’ golf tournament was a hit

​       Charlee Koch, left, and Payson Kitzmann, right, are all smiles as they  have their photo taken with Herky the Hawk, the University of Iowa mascot, at the Montezuma Country Club on Saturday, June 15 during the first “Wave Fore the Kids” charity golf tournament.

By J.O. Parker
 
       Organizers of the first ever “Wave Fore the Kids” charity golf tournament in Montezuma couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome.
     The event, which was held at the Montezuma Country Club on Saturday, June 15, drew 116 golfers (29 teams of four golfers) and raised an estimated $30,000 for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital for Kids.
       “We got a bunch of sponsors and a lot donations,” said Siraj Thomason, owner of the Longhorn Saloon in nearby Barnes City and local farmer, who sponsored the event.
        When asked about the tournament, Thomason said he has held a Longhorn Saloon golf tournament for several years and this year he wanted the event to be more about helping others instead of his business.
        “I wanted something positive to come from the community,” said Thomason. “I didn’t want it to be about the Longhorn Saloon.”
       When Thomason learned about the “Wave Fore the Kids,” he contacted the University of Iowa and the rest is history.
        Golfers were treated to 18-holes of golf along with a raffle open to the public, free swimming for the kids and a lunch of hot dogs and hamburgers donated by Dayton Meats of Malcom.
       Herky the Hawk, the University of Iowa mascot, was also on hand to help celebrate the kids. He milled about the club house and golf course, even taking a golf cart for a spin while out meeting Hawk fans both young and old. 
       Raffle items included a University of Iowa signed football by Hawkeye coach Kirk Ferentz, a Charles Freitag John Deere print, John Deere collectables, an indoor/outdoor Bluetooth speaker, a Blackstone grill, outdoor lawn chairs, guns, a Dewalt tool set, several ice coolers and more.
        The golf event drew support from Montezuma and throughout the area. There were 35 gold sponsors of $500 each, nine bronze sponsors at $250 each and three silver sponsors at $100 each.
      “We are very pleased with the turnout and support of the community and all the businesses who donated,” said Partner Maschmann, who volunteered to man a grill.
      “We are increasingly grateful for the community coming out and supporting the hospital,” said Hailey Kroll, advancement program coordinator and corporate and community development spokesperson at the University of Iowa.
      “Siraj Thompson put together a great tournament,” added Matt Maschmann of Brooklyn, who participated in the golf tournament with his son, Mason. “There was a lot of local support, volunteers and sponsors. A great group of folks that came to golf.”
      “Overall it was a great day,” said Thomason. “Herky the Hawk was here and everyone had a great time. Thanks for all the support and stay tuned for next year.”