Exchange fundraiser dodges raindrops
A golfer tees off at the shotgun start of the annual Exchange Club Center for Family Unity fundraiser at Owatonna Country Club. The funds raised go toward the group’s mission of preventing child abuse. Staff photo by Makenzie Oltmans
The dark skies and rumbles of thunder were intimidating, but as tee times approached, the weather cleared enough for the Exchange Club Center for Family Unity’s annual golf fundraiser to proceed – though not without some modifications.
Monday’s event at the Owatonna Country Club went from 18 holes down to nine, and golf carts were not allowed on the course or paths.
Shortening the course also changed the timing of the other events associated with the day, including silent auction and dinner/program that followed.
Even so, more than half of the 64 golfers who had registered still played, and many of those who opted out donated the entry fee anyway, said Beth Hortop, director of the ECCFU.
The decision about using carts “was a tough pill to swallow” for casual golfers who hoped to participate, said Ryan Gillespie, a member of the fundraising committee.
But if they were off work for the day, it was an enjoyable day nonetheless, complete with a silent auction and dinner/program that followed the golfing.
“We appreciate the fundraising aspect of it, but the awareness … and opportunity to share information with them and why we do this is important,” Gillespie said.
Though she’s only been with the Center for about a year, “the prevention of child abuse – and however that message can be shared, the signs to look for and the understanding of being proactive before families get to a point that is hard to come back from…
“Most people have been touched one way or another by some form of abuse,” Gillespie said, “but sometimes you need to hear about that message several times before it drives home that it truly is a problem.”
The organization serves five counties, including Steele, Dodge, Rice, Freeborn and Waseca, but last year served people from 17 counties, Hortop said.
The local Exchange Club Center is the only one in Minnesota with a focus on preventing child abuse, she said.
“There’s a lot of medical neglect out there, there’s a lot of food disparity out there – all of these things are pieces of abuse and neglect,” Hortop said. “So we’re out there to see how we can support these families and reduce the risk of abuse by reducing their stress, connecting them with local resources.”
They do that with a parent mentor organization, said Gillespie, “to get together with families while they’re self-aware of what’s bubbling up,” before it gets to the point of abuse.
An inaugural golf tournament to spread the awareness in Rice County will be held Sept. 18 at Legacy Golf in Faribault. For more information or to register, email eccfudirector@gmail.com or call 507-455-1190.
The local fundraiser raises an average $22,000, Hortop said, “and we’re so grateful for that.”
The organization’s capital campaign continues, with a goal of $550,000; the remaining balance on its new building is $144,000.