Annual Tournament Raises $36,000 for JBLM Charities

America’s Credit Union (ACU) presented funds raised from its 15th annual golf tournament to the Santa’s Castle, Madigan Foundation, and the Food Basket Program on JBLM.  The tournament was held on November 6th and the community once again came out to help ACU raise money to benefit local military families.

The history of the tour- nament has evolved throughout the years. It was originally created to help the founder of Santa’s Castle get her program off the ground. Then it was expanded to help make sure JBLM military members have food for the holidays by supporting the Food Basket Program. The final piece was to help pay for military families’ medical costs, not covered through insurance, by donating to the Madigan Foundation. Because of the generous donations from the sponsors and the success of the Turkey Shoot golf tournament, ACU was able to raise $36,000 to donate to all three charities. An estimated $500,000 has been donated in the 15 years the tournament has occurred.

This year ACU was honored to include a new presenting sponsor Nisqually Red Wind Casino, graciously choosing to donate $7,500, to this year’s tournament.  ACU thanks the following sponsors for their support of this tournament:

• Award Sponsor: Northwest Motorsports
• Big Turkey Sponsors: Cigar Daddies, Swarner Publications, Tactical Tailor, Sunset Chevrolet, Cascade Print Media, and Fast Signs
• Little Turkey Sponsors: Little Caesars and ACU 
• Financial. Hole in One and Hole sponsors:  Proforma Strategic Advantage LLC, The Madigan Foundation,  Omni Financial, Cook Security Group,  US Family Health Plan, Sound Credit Union, Boom, Verizon Wireless, Airstreams, Geico, CUNA Mutual Group, Cannon Construction, Evergreen Home Loans, the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Captain Meriwether Lewis Chapter, and USO NW.

This year all the military that played were sponsored by local area businesses. The salute to the troops’ sponsors were:

• Immedia, 
• Arrow Cleaning
• Clear Channel Outdoor
• The Defense CU Coalition
• Albers & Company
• Custom Impressions
• Immedia
• Allied Solutions
• Cigar Daddies, and 
• USO NW

Thanks to Walmart Lakewood Store for donating 20 turkeys, Starbucks for donating the coffee and breakfast, Costco for hand warmers, and Dimitri’s Gourmet Mixes for continuing to make the event one that helps our golfers brave the elements in the spirit of charity.

Kenneth S. Leonard, President/CEO of ACU, shared with everyone the modest beginnings of the tournament and the commitment he has to our military. Ken said, “it’s a passion to grow this event each year in support of our military and all they do on a daily basis.” Ken and all the sponsors are honored to contribute to the morale and welfare of our military and their families.