F-O-R-E: Golf balls drop as funds rise to help abused kids

Not a rain drop was felt on the clear sunny day of the 8th Annual Olive Crest Golf Tournament this past Monday. Instead, nearly 900 white golf balls fell from the sky onto the green of the Overlake Golf & Country Club in Medina as part of the tournament's Hole-in-One contest.

This marked the first time Overlake Golf & Country Club, a member-owned private club, opened its facilities to an outside organization.

"This was an incredible thing for [Overlake Golf & Country Club] to do and we are very grateful," said Toni Young, the Special Events Manager for Olive Crest. "The event was a hole-in-one with great timing, perfect weather and an amazing turnout. We are so thankful."

Olive Crest, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping abused, neglected, and at-risk children, welcomed 106 golfers to participate in the annual golf tournament and live auction hosted by Graham Crow, a local Bellevue auctioneer.

The event raised more than $73,315 for Olive Crest programs including tutoring, special services and aid to foster families.

This year, the Pacific Northwest branch of Olive Crest wanted to add a unique twist to their annual golf event. They reached out to Airwork LLC, a company that donated a helicopter to participate in the Helicopter Ball Drop. Golfers attending the tournament were invited to purchase golf balls for $10 a piece. The numbered balls were then dropped high above the green from the hovering helicopter. The owner of the golf ball that landed closest to the hole-in-one, walked away with a $5,000 grand prize.

Marianne Metzger from Rollingbay on Bainbridge Island was the lucky winner. She accepted her reward, then donated half of the winnings back to Olive Crest.

"It was so kind of Marianne to donated the money back to Olive Crest," said Young. "We do this for the kids and the support shown by the community today was very heartwarming."

Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425.453.4602.

To learn more about Olive Crest, visit www.olivecrest.org.

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