SEATTLE, Wash. (Sept. 3, 2010) When avid golfer Dow Lucurell read a news report about American Lake Veterans Golf Course and plans to enhance and expand the unique facility, he decided to organize a fund-raising tournament with all proceeds going to the course’s capital campaign.
Within two days, Lucurell, the owner of Uptown Espresso and Bakery, secured a date, the West Seattle Golf Course, sponsors for all 18 holes, and several foursomes to play. In the ensuing weeks leading up to the August 10 “Veterans Golf 2010 Invitational” he recruited more teams to play, solicited prizes, donations, and in-kind support and met with representatives of the Veterans Golf Course.
“So moved was he that he decided to take action fast,” explained Mark Anderson, a golf pal and business colleague.
On August 10, the day of the tournament ÌÎå¦ less than four months after becoming inspired to raise funds ÌÎå¦ ÌÎå¦ fast-acting (and perhaps energized by a few cups Uptown’s espresso) Lucurell presented checks totaling $15,000 (100 percent of the proceeds) to four volunteers from Friends of American Lake Veterans Golf Course. They included Wolf Fletter, Jim Martinson, Harold (Pepper) Roberts and Ken Still.
Fletter, the treasurer for “Friends of ALVGC,” is a retired Lt. Colonel and Vietnam veteran;
Martinson, a Vietnam veteran who lost both legs above the knee in Da Nang in 1968, serves on the board of directors for the nonprofit organization and was the tournament’s honorary starter; Roberts is president and founder of Friends of American Lake Veterans Golf Course and a Korean War veteran; Still, a former PGA Tour and PGA Senior (Champions) Tour player, is a director on the Friends board and volunteer golf instructor at the course.
When asked about his decision to organize a tournament, Lucurell explained he was more interested in being active than in writing checks. “Most of the players were my friends, so my philosophy was to throw a party and maintain some intimacy.” Besides, he reasoned, if there were glitches with his inaugural tournament, “friends are more forgiving.”
Anderson, a principal at CKA Creative in Seattle, helped create a logo and promotional materials. “Thanks to the generosity of Jack Nicklaus . . . a new back nine is coming,” the invitation stated, referring to the golf legend’s gift of Nicklaus Design services for the new course. “With this tournament and your support, we will help fund the building of the new course, and by doing so, offer veterans a doorway to hope and a path to strength – physical, emotional and spiritual.”
Several of Lucurell’s friends shared his desire to support the wounded and disabled veterans who use American Lake Veterans Golf Course as part of their physical and emotional rehabilitation. Contributions ranged from recruiting team members to procuring prizes and soliciting in-kind services. Co-workers from various Uptown Espresso locations donated their time to help with day-of-tournament details.
All players received commemorative hats and the chance to win a handsomely framed Nicklaus autographed commemorative flag and Scottish 5-pound note. Lucurell said there are still a few of these limited edition keepsakes available (which include a letter of authentication) for a minimum donation. Interested purchasers can contact Lucurell at 206-406-5880.
About American Lake Veterans Golf Course
American Lake Veterans Golf Course, located in Lakewood, Wash. near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, is the only facility in the U.S. designed specifically for wounded and disabled veterans. Since 1995, the nine-hole facility has been maintained and operated by more than 160 volunteers, many of them retired veterans.
Last year, the Friends of American Lake Veterans Golf Course, the nonprofit fund-raising affiliate of the course, embarked on an ambitious, multi-million dollar campaign. Initial phases focused on basic maintenance needs, followed by the construction of a Rehabilitation and Learning Center, which was completed earlier this year. The current fund-raising goal is $3 million for constructing the nine new holes and enhancing the accessibility of some of the holes on the front nine.
Last year, more than 12,000 rounds of golf were played at ALVGC between April and August. The demand is expected to grow in anticipation of the largest homecoming of veterans in 30 years as service members return from Afghanistan and Iraq, many with severe injuries and emotional trauma.
Lucurell is committed to help meet that demand. Looking back on his first foray into organizing a golf tournament, he said he would probably do some things differently, possibly starting with obtaining a title sponsor.
“The guy was motivated,” proclaimed Anderson, who apparently shares Lucurell’s enthusiasm for supporting American Lake Veterans Golf Course. “This is just the beginning. Proceeds from future tournaments will help maintain the course.”
“The volunteers and veterans are extremely grateful to Dow and his friends for their generosity,” Roberts said in accepting the donation. “We had a great time participating in this event – and we hope it becomes a prototype for similar fund-raiser tournaments elsewhere,” he exclaimed.
More information about American Lake Veterans Golf Course and its current campaign is online at veterangolf.org (click on the “Get Involved” tab for details on ways to support the campaign). Friends of ALVGC is a registered 501(c)3 charitable organization.
Contact:
Harold (Pepper) Roberts
president/director
Friends of American Lake Veterans Golf Course
253-589-1998
Dow Lucurell
president/CEO
Uptown Espresso Inc.
206-406-5880
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