Over 100 golfers came out for the 17th annual Bright Beginnings Brad and Erna Butler Memorial Golf Tournament on Monday June 3, 2013. A warm and breezy day at the beautiful Valley Country Club in Aurora provided an excellent setting for the annual charity tournament celebrating the founders of the organization.
The day kicked off with a barbecue lunch and a putting competition before the golfers took to the course with a shotgun start and a scramble format. Adding to the excitement of the day, many of the holes featured special prizes for both the men and women, including longest and straightest drives, closest to the pin and a hole-in-one contest featuring a new Mercedes Benz giveaway to anyone who made it to the hole in one shot. Golfers even had the option to “hire the golf pro” to hit their shot for them, with the proceeds going directly to Bright Beginnings.
The day concluded with a cocktail reception, dinner and awards ceremony and live auction in the clubhouse.
The tournament is one of two major fund-raising events for Bright Beginnings annually, and the charity hopes to raise about $50,000 for its programs through the golf tournament and silent auction.
Most of a child’s intellect, personality, and social/emotional skills are developed in the early years. Bright Beginnings seeks to empower parents and caregivers with guidance, knowledge, and tools designed for each age level from newborn to three. The program is offered to all parents free of charge statewide through 14 regional affiliate offices. Bright Beginnings was founded in 1995 by Brad Butler, former chair of Procter and Gamble, and Roy Romer, former Colorado Governor, in an effort to make Colorado the best place to raise a child. Today, their programs reach more than 18,000 Colorado families and caregivers each year.
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- Bennett Thompson prepares to tee off at Hole 1
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- From left, Ben McCown, JB Richarson, Bennett Thompson, Trevor Brown
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- Linda Raunig, left, with Mlis Ward, Karen Williams, and Charlie Unfug pose for a picture before teeing off
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- Jane Willard, left, with Pat Sterner and Diane Poole enjoy the beautiful day
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- Mary Sissel, left with Catherine Petros and betsy Mangone
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- One of the many challenge holes of the day
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- Brandon Chandler, left, with Scott Chandler, Theresa Mahringer and Paul Cadorette
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- Volunteers Meredith Richardson, left, and Janell Wohlgemuth, assist golfers at the “Pro for Hire” hole
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- Valley Country Club Golf Pro Colten Leier was on hand offer his services to golfers, with the proceeds going to Bright Beginnings
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- Jim Herbert, left, with Alan Krueger, Greg Eliassen and Carlo Spano
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- Mike Costanzo, left with Nick Costanzo, Jeff Tuten, and Justin Nelson
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- Zach Olson, left, with Richard Taylor, Josh Crandall, and Garrin Sauerwein
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- Jeff Wynn putts on the 9th green
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- Jeff Wynn, left, with Tonya Moore, Michelle French, and Mark Trenka enjoy the round
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- Jeff Rambis watches his putt on the 9th green
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- Jeff Rambis, left, with Doug Whiting, Karl Doskins, and Tony Nye
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- Doug Thompson tees off on the 9th hole
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- Rick Coville, left, with Tom Bonbright, Byron Craig and Doug Thompson
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- Sponsor Ernie McSpadden, second from left, with Larre Hug, Omer Ertunc, and Chris Anthony
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- Joe Toney, left, with Brian Dwinnell, Ted Stathos and Ed Berman
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- Sponsor and Board Member Steve Berman, left, with Bernie Buescher, Larry Ricketts, Gerry Phelan and Larry Feinberg
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- Gerry Phelan and wife Adele
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- Paul Stann, left, with Mike Miyaki, Mike Mills and Tony Accetta prepare to tee off
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- Brady Alshouse, left, with Chris Nichols, Adam Loveland, and Andy Davis
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- Bright Beginnings volunteers Jeff Herndon and Anita Pollock
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- Doug Roerig and Irshana Roerig pose with the hole in one prize Mercedes Benz
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- Aaron Kramer, left, with Warren Rotello, Rick Kershaw and David Anderle
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- Bright Beginnings Operations Manager Rachel VanSchooneveld, left, with Community Engagement Manager Jodie Deshmukh, Director of Development Angelica Fox ad COO Christopher Price
