By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Photo/Melanie Petrucci
Shrewsbury/Westborough – The Host Committee of the sixth annual Hannah Kane Charity Classic Golf Tournament scheduled for Monday, Aug. 17, at the Haven Country Club in Boylston recently announced that the tournament will go on as planned, but will be modified.
State Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) and Beth Casavant, tournament director and chair of the Shrewsbury Board of Selectmen, spent weeks thinking about whether the event could even happen. After much debate, it was determined that a tournament could be formatted while adhering to public health guidance.
The organizers felt that the needs of the organizations supported by the tournament outweighed the risks. Beneficiaries of the tournament, St. Anne’s Human Services, Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services, and Westborough Food Pantry are in dire need due to the current crisis.
Howard Grossman of Grossman Development Group is reprising his role as presenting sponsor.
“I know that the needs in these communities exist year after year,” he said, “but in the midst of this crisis it is imperative that we step up and support those not as fortunate as we are.”
“The need has never been stronger to support these three vital human service organizations. Each of these critical nonprofits has been working hard to serve even more of our community members during the public health crisis that has caused deep economic harm,” Kane added. “I am so grateful for Howard Grossman’s leadership and to all our sponsors who stepped up right away to provide generous financial support.”
Sponsors did not hesitate to come forward despite knowing that the tournament could be cancelled if the virus takes a different course. Leaderboard sponsors include Amazon, Carlstrom Pressed Metal, Mary DeFeudis, Waste Management and Wheelabrator Shrewsbury.
Eagle sponsors this year include Dunkin Donuts, Jim and Paula Buonomo, Shrewsbury Federal Credit Union and Southgate at Shrewsbury. Returning at the Hole in One level is Digital Federal Credit Union.
Beals and Thomas, Bowditch & Dewey, LLP, Fletcher Tilton PC Attorney at Law, James N. Ball & Company, Smook Architecture and Urban Design, Webster Five Cents Savings Bank, Salmon Health & Retirement/The Willows at Westborough are this year’s Birdie sponsors.
The tournament has a strong, committed and enthusiastic following. Foursomes have filled quickly, however golfers will experience some differences. Notably, instead of a shotgun start, they will tee off at staggered times. Instead of the communal breakfast, lunch and reception, boxed lunches will be provided and two beverage carts will circulate the course.
The Host Committee is mindful of COVID-19’s impacts on local businesses. As such, in lieu of a traditional raffle, there will be a 50/50 raffle plus a few silent auction items.
“I am so pleased that we will host the tournament and raise critical funds to support our three charities at a time when they are seeing increased demand from the communities they serve,” Casavant noted.
Kane agreed, adding: “We are really looking forward to holding the tournament this year – and while it will not be our usual event, we believe it can still be a fun day of golf, raising much needed funding for three great nonprofits.”
For more information, contact Casavant at 508-641-8174 or Kane at 617-448-7304.
