Sixty golfers teed off to help raise $5,000 to benefit a Yukon helping ministry and it celebrates 25 years of service.
A second annual Golf Scramble to benefit Compassionate Hands was April 27 at Crimson Creek Golf Course in El Reno. Fifteen teams participated in the four-man scramble.
Pastor Ray Rhoton, of Bethel Community Church; and Pastor Keith Henson, of Yukon Church, organized the fund-raising golf tournament. Rhoton and Henson serve on Compassionate Hands’ board of directors.
“Everyone was excited to hang out, play golf with friends, and support a good organization like Compassionate Hands,” said Pastor Rhoton, who chairs Compassionate Hands’ board of directors.
“We raised $5,000 this year. The funds will be used to continue Compassionate Hands’ mission to help our community through temporary crisis.”
Six Yukon churches participated with teams and/or hole sponsorships.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to come together for a great cause,” Rhoton said.
He offered special thanks to Pastor Henson from Yukon Church, Marty Dixon from Linked MFG, Taylor Illgen from Bethel Community Church, Compassionate Hands’ board member Alycia Barry and Compassionate Hands director Joanne Riley for their hard work and care in serving.
SUN OUT, COURSE GREEN
The day and venue proved to be ideal.
“We could not have asked for a better morning,” Rhoton said. “The sun was out and the course was green, with an Oklahoma wind that either helped our hurt some of the players involved.
“We appreciate Crimson Creek’s help to make this happen.”
The April 27th benefit Golf Scramble to benefit Compassionate Hands featured longest drive and closest to the pin contests.
Longest drive #4 winner was Keith Henson, pastor of Yukon Church. Longest drive #14 winner was Nic Bailey.
Closest to the pin #11 winner was David Wilson. Closest to the pin #3 winner was Jerry Kelly.
Chick-fil-A provided chicken sandwiches and Yukon Church provided drinks and snacks for golfers.
Pastor Rhoton already looks forward to next year’s benefit golf tournament – with greater participation from local churches and businesses.
“Next year, we will be rolling out some other options for participation,” he said, noting Compassionate Hands is a non-profit that depends entirely on donations.
“We are grateful for those that partner with us to make a difference in the community.”
25 YEARS OF SERVICE
A ministry of Yukon’s Ministerial Alliance, Compassionate Hands was established in 1994 to help people in need and serve as a central “clearinghouse” for local churches.
In response to Christ’s mission to help others, Compassionate Hands serves people in temporary crisis by addressing immediate needs, fostering hope and guiding them toward self-sufficiency.
Compassionate Hands provides emergency housing, medicine and utility assistance to Yukon residents and operates an accessible van for those needing transportation to medical appointments.
The purpose of Compassionate Hands is to “enable the Yukon community to more effectively prepare and respond in comprehensive, proactive and united ways to the needs of the people in this community,” according to its bylaws.
Compassionate Hands offers the accessible van service primarily for people with disabilities and those age 55 years and above. The “Care-A-Van” is used for medical, nutritional, social/recreational, educational, shopping, and limited personal needs.
For more information, call Compassionate Hands at 354-9591.
By Conrad Dudderar, Senior Staff Writer, Yukon Progress