It was with real sadness that I read that the Snoqualmie Valley Charity Golf Classic will not take place this year. I understand the level of work and commitment a huge event like that takes, but I hope the volunteers and chair understand what an impact that golf tournament has on our community.

It is not just a great chance to play golf and have a good time. It is a time to raise significant amounts of money to support Snoqualmie Valley charities. Those funds make a huge difference in the lives of your neighbors. Food banks, children’s services and local senior centers are supported by these funds.

I direct the Sno-Valley Senior Activity Center in Carnation. Our mission is to provide quality services to support the health and independence of senior citizens. We receive $10,000 from the Charity Golf Classic. As a result of those dollars, Mary is able to enjoy a hot lunch Monday through Friday – good nutrition, sure, but Mary comes for the socializing; Harriet enjoys Lifetime Fitness classes, which have enabled her to find freedom from pain and more energy; Marilyn keeps active with bingo and finds independence with the van transportation provided throughout the Valley; and Sue enjoys the quilting. Betty has received free information from a lawyer and a financial consultant; and Walt has found support in care giving for his wife through the caregivers support group.

Lives are touched, changed, supported and enlivened through the senior center. The $10,000 from the golf tournament bought 133 hours of programming and assisted 45 new people to access services. Its loss for the coming year without the tournament is a blow. It will be hard for us to make up.

So, volunteers hang in there. What you do makes a difference – a huge difference in your community. If you haven’t volunteered to help for next year’s tournament yet, then do it. Call them at (425) 831-5518 to offer what you can.

And thanks Harold Erland for the untold hours you gave and for your enthusiasm. You’re the best.

Lisa Yeager,

Director, Sno-Valley Senior Activity Center

Carnation