Time - Check-in 8:30 am --- Play begins at 10:30 am
Join in the day of fun. Proceeds help benefit a number of local area charities, such as Boys and Girls Club, Superstition Community Food Bank, Gold Canyon Food Bank, AJ High School Student Scholarships, and many additional area non-profit causes. Sponsorship packages are available.
Don't delay in signing up. The event is expected to sell out!
Mark Gurnow, General Manager of Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club, shared experiences about his long career in golf - both with the PGA, and in various positions managing large private golf courses. For the past 10 years, he has been in the role of General Manager of 'Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club'.
He also talked about the 'business' of golf. Golf is viewed by some as a 'rich person's sport', as it can be pricey for equipment, as well as the play-time. And for some years, pre-Covid, golf participation was said to be declining. There were some golf course closures, as well as unsold tee times.
But the Covid-era created new interest in the game of golf, with more and more players exploring the sport and beginning to participate. It is easy to maintain a 6-foot distance when playing a game of golf. Therefore during the Covid-era, when everything else was shut down, golf was an activity/sport that was still possible for people to participate in.
The National Golf Foundation (NGF) reports the total number of golfers worldwide has reached 66.6 million+ - up from 61 million players - about five years ago. Statistics point to gains in attracting women and minorities. Stats indicate women now comprise 25% of golfers, and people of color 21% - both of these groups have increased in recent years. These demographics have always been the key to sustainable growth.
Additionally, the NGF has reported the population of young people golfers has increased by almost 25% over the past three years, to more than 3 million - which helps to lay a nice foundation for the future of golf.
Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club is a private club located in Gold Canyon. It has been ranked as one of America’s 100 Premier Properties and honored to host numerous major LPGA and Champions Tour Tournaments. Additionally, they have hosted the LPGA Safeway International, The Countrywide Tradition, and the Senior Slam. They also offer their venue for a number of local non-profit charity golf tournaments, which helps raise funds for local non-profit community causes.
September 20
Carrie Aranda, 'Director of Donor Services-Boys and Girls Club of the Valley' was the speaker. The Boys and Girls Club is a youth development program for young people from ages 5/kindergarten through 18. They strive to provide a safe, fun environment and establish supportive relationships with kids. Their organization is built on four pillars:
*Achieving academic success *Becoming of good character and developing leadership skills *Learning a healthy lifestyle *Establishing workforce and career pathways
The local Apache Junction facility, behind the AJ High School, has a capacity of 140. Currently, they are serving 100+ children. For families relying on child care from the Club, fees are based on a sliding scale and compared to other options, they are one of the most affordable. Kids also receive a snack and dinner during the school year. Programs focus on helping young people develop healthy lifestyles. For example, there is a gardening program, where kids learn to grow food, where food comes from, and ultimately have a chance to eat it. For older kids, workshops focus on workplace skills they'll need - and help connect with community partners who provide internships.
As a 501(c) they are approved for the Arizona Tax credit program. Volunteers over 18 are appreciated, after a minimal background check.
Dave Waldron and Gail Evans from 'AJ Development Corporation' came to share information about their group. Gail spoke about their mission to help create and maintain safe affordable housing, support economic opportunities, instill a sense of community pride and commitment, and enhance the physical image of Apache Junction.
'AJ Development Corporation' has teamed up with the City of Apache Junction to help the elderly and disabled in our community. Types of projects might include, light to heavy yard work including: weeding, raking, window cleaning, plant and/or small tree trimming/removal, tire removal, trash/debris removal or similar projects.
Community volunteers and funding are always valued and appreciated. Special events often have business sponsorships available.
One upcoming community project they are seeking support for is the national 'Make a Difference Day' on Saturday October 7, 2023 from 8:00 am until Noon. This is a day of giving back to neighbors and community.
When: Saturday October 7, 2023
Time: Gathering 8:00 am until Noon. (Arrive before 7:45 am to sign in and get a volunteer t-shirt so the event can start on time.)
Where: Meeting Location: Focal Point (across from Flatiron Park).
'Make a Difference Day' helps to remind us that when many of us do a little, we can do a lot.
Superstition Mountain Rotary supports, and some of the Club members will be participating in 'Make a Difference Day'.
Our speaker was Frank White, Post Commander from Apache Junction VFW Post 7968. Frank spoke about work he's involved with focusing on suicide awareness and prevention among veterans and others.
He currently serves on Arizona Congressman Andy Biggs's, 'Veteran Advisor Counsel'. Frank is an advocate/volunteer for 'Mission 22' (a non-profit organization supporting Veterans and military families.)
The name ‘Mission 22’ came out of a campaign, called '#Mission22'. The focus was raising awareness about daily suicides being recorded in the Veteran community. The number 22 comes from the number of Veterans who lose their lives every day by suicide. This number was released after a study done by the United States Department of Veteran Affairs in 2013.
In addition, there are many other veteran-related causes and events which Frank is routinely involved with throughout the year.
As a Vietnam-era Navy Veteran, Frank has personal knowledge about, and experience with, many of the issues facing our military. After his military career, he served as a Police Office for 20 years in Aurora Colorado, working in Patrol and Investigations. In addition to his law enforcement service, Frank spent a number of years working in Corporate Investigations, for Hartford Insurance and Caesars Entertainment.
Frank talked to Club members about how those experiences have shaped his dedication/focus as an advocate and volunteer for veteran suicide prevention causes.
Some resources for suicide prevention and awareness -
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Sign up for the Superstition Mountain Rotary Club 23rd Annual Charity Golf Scramble
Mark 
Carrie Aranda, 'Director of Donor Services-Boys and Girls Club of the Valley' was the speaker. The Boys and Girls Club is a youth development program for young people from ages 5/kindergarten through 18. They strive to provide a safe, fun environment and establish supportive relationships with kids. 
Dave Waldron and Gail Evans from 'AJ Development Corporation' came to share information about their group. Gail spoke about their mission to help create and maintain safe affordable housing, support economic opportunities, instill a sense of community pride and commitment, and enhance the physical image of Apache Junction. 
Our speaker was Frank White, Post Commander from Apache Junction VFW Post 7968. Frank spoke about work he's involved with focusing on suicide awareness and prevention among veterans and others.