MUSCATINE, Iowa–25 years ago, Tom Hendricks had a simple yet profound thought. After seeing many local non-profit organizations hold small golf fundraisers and compete with each other for participants and donations, he thought, “Why don’t we combine all these little golf events into one big one to reduce expenses and maximize donations to the charities?” His idea stuck and grew into the Muscatine Charities Golf “Funraiser.” This year, the golf outing will return on June 29 to benefit 30 area charities.

At 11:30 a.m., golfers will gather at Geneva Golf and Country Club (3100 Bidwell Road in Muscatine) for lunch before hitting the green for a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Throughout the afternoon, golfers can take advantage of tee gifts, golf carts, beverages, and range balls, included with the cost of their registrations. A fun golf experience, Hendricks finds it relaxing and social. “There’s no pressure at all,” he said. “It’s about networking and enjoying a beautiful day, and at the end of the day, everyone’s a winner.”

At 6 p.m., golfers will reconvene for a sumptuous dinner before enjoying a raffle, a silent auction, and a live auction. An evening filled with great prizes, such as tickets to the racetrack in Newton, Hendricks thanks all the businesses who donated them. “We always have some good prizes for people,” he emphasized.

In honor of the Muscatine Charities Golf Funraiser’s 25th anniversary, Hendricks suggested that participants would have some unique experiences. However, he plans to keep them a secret until the day of the event. “We have a couple of things planned for the golfers, but nothing we’re letting out of the bag right now,” he hinted.

Golfers enjoying a previous Muscatine Charities Golf Funraiser. Photo courtesy of Muscatine Charities.

Since starting, the Muscatine Charities Golf Funraiser has grown exponentially. In its first year, it raised $17,000 for seven charities. Last year, their first fundraiser since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, they brought in $150,000. As people return to events, Hendricks hopes to raise even more to support local organizations and provide financial assistance for children in need to attend preschool.

Tickets for the Muscatine Charities Funraiser, including all the golfing perks, lunch, and dinner, cost $195 apiece. With only about 30 spots left out of the 128 spots available, Hendricks encourages people to sign up by calling 563-262-8894 as soon as possible. “People are hearing about it and starting to sign up,” he stressed.

After a quarter century of helping local organizations thrive, Hendricks looks forward to another successful Muscatine Charities Golf Funraiser. He wants to see all local golfers join him. “We’re very blessed to have a generous community,” he reflected.