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232 Women Golfers Celebrate Start of Season and Decade of Local Group's Achievements Contact Cheri Brennan SEATTLE, Wash. (April 17, 2003) - More than 230 women golfers, many adorned with "theme" hats, gathered last month to launch the 2003 golf season. The March 22 "Hats Off to EWGA" event at The Golf Club at Newcastle featured brunch, a mini trade fair, a charity raffle, speakers from three states and other offerings -- all part of a 10th anniversary celebration of the Seattle Chapter of the Executive Women's Golf Association (EWGA). Continuing the custom of past kickoff events, the group held a fund-raising raffle, but this year's effort took on special significance as participants dedicated a portion of the proceeds to the memory of a member who recently lost a battle with leukemia. In a moving tribute to longtime member Sherry Goebel, who died March 5, past president Janet Young recognized Ms. Goebel's courage, grace, dignity and devotion to family, friends and customers. To honor her, half the $2,481 proceeds from raffle ticket sales went to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Washington, with the remaining portion earmarked for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Also honored during the program were six charter members and five past presidents who were in attendance. President Pam Jerpe recognized those women for leadership and guidance in growing the chapter. In the decade since its formation, the Seattle Chapter grew to become the seventh largest among the 105 chapters that make up EWGA. At the end of last season, Seattle had 338 members. The Chapter welcomed 46 new members who joined at the kickoff event. Three speakers shared the dais to commemorate women's golf. Guest speakers included Trish Davis, EWGA director of chapter and member services, Tege Sauer, manager of the U.S. Women's Open and keynoter Debbie Steinbach, CEO of Venus Golf Company. Davis traveled from EWGA headquarters in Florida to update Chapter members on the association's development and growing stature among golf organizations and to recognize Seattle's achievements. Sauer, an EWGA Portland member who also serves as operations manager at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in Oregon, encouraged members to join volunteers from at least 22 other chapters nationwide in support of the 58th U.S. Women's Open, scheduled for June 30-July 6 at Pumpkin Ridge. Steinbach, author of Venus of the Fairway, and former LPGA Tour professional who currently teaches at The Palms Golf Club at LaQuinta, incorporated the "hats" theme into her presentation. Using a series of unique headgear to portray stereotypical golfers encountered on the course, she offered light-hearted advice on coping along with practical tips for improving one's game. Both before and following the program, members could register for a broad selection of golf events, ranging from leagues to weekend outings, clinics and tournaments. Along with Chapter offerings, members can participate in regional and national conferences and competitions. Locations for this year's tournament championships and conference events include: Chapter Championship - July 19, Gold Mountain Golf Course (Gorst, WA) The Executive Women's Golf Association (EWGA) is a not-for-profit organization formed to promote and foster a spirit of acceptance, dignity and respect for career-oriented women golfers. Founded in 1991, the EWGA currently has 105 chapters and more than 17,000 members in the United States and Canada. New and experienced golfers are welcomed at chapter activities and golf events. For more information about the association or membership, visit the website at www.ewga.com. Information on the Seattle chapter is available online at www.ewgaseattle.org or by calling 206.781.5813. |