Bristow Manor golf tourney raises $5,000

Thirty-nine local business and civic leaders competed in the Inaugural Project Mend-A-House Golf Tournament held recently at the Bristow Manor Golf Club.

The competitors enjoyed a spirited yet relaxing morning of 18 holes of golf. More importantly, they helped raise more than $5,000 that the organization will re-invest in the community in the form of home repairs and safety modification.

Ten teams of golfers kicked off the tournament by teeing off at their respective holes at an 8 a.m. shotgun start. Throughout the morning, the golfers' skills were vividly on display -- soaring, accurate drives off the tee onto the course's pristine fairways and laser-like accurate putts on its luscious greens into the holes.

Perhaps a mulligan or two may have aided the occasional shot into the sand traps or ponds that adorn the course as well. However, there was no denying that all gofers enjoyed the morning round of golf and friendly competition. Additionally, local businesses, civic organizations and residents sponsored each of the holes on the course.

"It was a very nice to get away from the office and play a round of golf," said Kevin English, tournament organizer and member of the board of directors of the organization. "The generosity of the golfers and area businesses made our inaugural tournament so successful."

Following the completion of play, an award ceremony was conducted in the clubhouse, led by its chairman, the Rev. Fred Parish, senior pastor of Bethel United Methodist Church of Woodbridge, and Andrea Saccoccia, executive director.

Awards were presented to the teams with best overall score and to team members for longest drive and closest to the pin. English thanked the volunteers who contributed to the success of the event: Dave and Janice Carr, Tony Clark, Linda Leiker, M.A. Sargo, Ernie Jenkins and Penny Isenberg.

"In these challenging times where donations are at an all-time low, it is very rewarding to come across an event where there are so many winners," said Saccoccia. "Participants, tournament volunteers and hole sponsors not only enjoyed the day but their generosity will help project volunteers deliver much needed home improvements and safety modifications to our area's neediest and most vulnerable residents."'

The Manassas-based organization will celebrate 25 years of service to the community at a Taste-of-the-Town Dinner-Fundraiser on Oct. 14. For more information, call 703-792-7663.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.