Scott and Russ, elbow-bumping behind a full vanload of stuff.
Russ, surrounded by all the equipment.
Russ Stocek’s front porch, when he returned from a day of golf.
Russ Stocek
This year, we donated an amazing amount of golf equipment and apparel to the Junior Golf Association of Arizona. Even with the coronavirus and rainy weather on the main collection day, we gathered more golf equipment this year than any other year.
There was an almost 300% increase in the number of irons to 682. A 166% increase in woods donated, with a total of 207. The number of golf bags increased by almost 150% this year, totaling 66. In addition, there were 50 pairs of shoes, many hats and head covers, as well as bags of tees and ball markers. Donated golf balls (new and old) totaled 7,400. Only a few rolled away this year, as most of you had double bagged the balls. A few of you donated a full bag of balls, but the bag was open at the top, so there is room for improvement next year.
This year, we collected so much stuff that it took four van loads to empty Russ’ garage and get them to Junior Golf. Lucky for us, Junior Golf Associate, Scott Van Loan comes to Robson Ranch to pick up all of the items collected.
Founded in 1983, the Junior Golf Association of Arizona (JGAA) is a non-profit organization that introduces Arizona’s youth to the game of golf, and helps junior golfers develop golf and life skills through competitive programs and tournaments. In addition to developing programs at schools and assisting Arizona golf courses with their junior programs, the JGAA conducts more than 100 programs and activities, including etiquette clinics, tournaments, and college prep seminars throughout Arizona each year. The JGAA awards two scholarship funds annually to high school senior members of the JGAA, for their college education—the Tres Arnold and the John Wolfinger Memorial College Scholarships. The JGAA’s strong belief in teamwork and cooperation continues to guide the organization and is instilled in all of its members.
Thank you everyone who donated this year. Donations go to a great cause and is a good reason to clean out our golf cabinets. Junior golf helps get young boys and girls involved in the game that we all love, and want to continue into the future.