Jul 1, 2021Ag World Golf Classic raises record $117,000 for Ronald McDonald House
This was the first year the Ag World Golf Classic, a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest, was able to host two events — June 8 in Kennewick, Washington, and June 10 in Moses Lake, Washington.
It was founder Warren Henninger’s vision to expand to two locations as the golf course was maxing out year over year. He had hoped that all who wanted to participate would be able to join.
“It was an incredible event where we could continue to honor Dad’s (Warren) legacy and carry on the tradition of giving to the House. We are grateful for the ag industry’s generosity and the great spirit about the day that made these two events successful!” said Melanie Finch, Warren’s daughter and chief marketing officer at Ag World Support Systems, the company Warren founded.
Area agriculture producers, processors and industry businesses gathered to raise over $117,000 to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities Inland Northwest (RMHC), a record-breaking year for the Ag World Golf Classic. Since its inception, the event has donated more than $638,000 to Ronald McDonald House.
The charity golf tournament took place on June 8 at Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Kennewick and June 10 at The Links at Moses Pointe in Moses Lake. This first year in both Kennewick and Moses Lake was a great success.
“Through the generosity of the 93 sponsors/donors and 251 golfers, it was another incredible year of giving to the House,” Finch said.
Not only did the Golf Classic generously raise funds, it continues to be a special way of honoring the founder of the Ag World Golf Classic and Ag World Support Systems, Warren Henninger, who passed away in May 2020.
“Dad cast a big shadow and impacted many people during his life. We are blessed to carry on his legacy through the Ag World Golf Classic. Dad’s definitely smiling down from heaven,” said Bryan Henninger, Warren’s oldest son and president of Ag World Support Systems.
Many wonderful memories were shared of Warren as golfers had a chance to remember him together with the Ag World team and the Henninger family. The Ag World Golf Classic was born out of a vision Warren had to support families whose children are experiencing a medical crisis and need a place to stay while their child receives care.
The tournament format included a shotgun start with an 18-hole scramble which includes food, drinks, and giveaways along the course, as well as a food truck, all generously provided by hole hosts: JMC Enterprises, Cherry Creek Radio, Summit Funding, Vive, Ronald McDonald House, Liphatech, Agro Scout, CentiMark, Columbia Laboratories and Assured Partners.
To help encourage golfers to give, the Ag World Golf Classic had an online auction again this year. It was a great success with prizes ranging from a night at the Couer d’Alene Resort to StorOx 2.0 potato sprout inhibitor for growers, with donations by Couer d’Alene Resort, Coeur d’Alene Casino, Davenport Hotel, M&M Consulting, Assured Partners, Bud Clary Ford/Honda of Moses Lake and Agri-Stor Northwest.
Bob McLean, development director of the RMHC in Spokane said: “Throughout the past 30 years Ag World Golf Classic is the most significant community fundraiser we have ever seen. On behalf of the families and children that stay at the Ronald McDonald House we say, ‘thank you, Ag World’! We see your families’ values, work values and church values as major reasons this fundraiser is so successful.”
The excitement of the tournament’s success still lingers in the minds of those who worked tirelessly to see this event happen. Judy Henninger, Warren’s wife, Ag World Ambassador & Chaplain and co-founder of the Ag World Golf Classic said: “God blessed the tournament again this year with amazing weather, attendance and generous participation! We are thankful for our hosts, sponsors, donors, many golfers and supporters who made this event such a huge success. Ag World is honored to support this worthy cause!”
Next year’s events are set for June 14, 2022 at Canyon Lakes Golf Course, in Kennewick and June 16, 2022 at the Links at Moses Pointe in Moses Lake. Visit AgWorldGolf.com for more information.
