Golfers raise $25,000 for Missouri 4-H

COLUMBIA, Mo. –  Golfers hit the greens for Missouri 4-H youth, raising more than $25,000 at the Missouri 4-H Foundation Clover Classic Golf Tournament, June 5 in Columbia, Mo.  

“We are thrilled with the great support shown by our 4-H Foundation friends and partners for the Clover Classic Golf Tournament. Everyone had a great time while raising funds in support of the MU Extension 4-H Youth Development program, and we look forward to next year’s tournament,” said Cheryl Reams, Missouri 4-H Foundation executive director.

John Raines, co-chair and ambassador for the presenting sponsor, Monsanto Co., welcomed and challenged players to compete for Missouri 4-H youth.

“Missouri’s ag youth represent the next generation of Missouri farmers and agribusiness leaders, and Missouri 4-H is the premier development organization, serving more than 300,000 youths in all 114 counties,” said Raines. “What a great way to support Missouri agriculture!”

Foursomes teed off under the banner of hat sponsor Osborn Barr.

Tournament Platinum Sponsors were Charter, Farmer’s Mutual Hail Insurance of Iowa, FCS Financial, Joplin Veterinary Hospital, Paul Rainsberger, Successful Farming & Agriculture Online, and Starline Brass.

Premium Sponsors included Brownfield Network, Steve Ellis, Great American Insurance Corp., Ina Linville, MFA Inc. Charitable Foundation, Kay Sparks and George Thomas.

Players enjoyed a luncheon courtesy of Missouri Beef Industry Council, Missouri Pork Association, Sara Lee and MFA/Break Time. N.H. Scheppers Distributing Co. was beverage sponsor.

Hole and Team Sponsors included Brighton Agency, Frank and Olive Graham, Heimer & Associates, Dr. Robert E. “Bud” and Betty Hertzog, Bob and Pam Idel, Patricia Koenigsfeld, Kevin and Carol Langford, Ina Linville, Midwest Dairy Association, Missouri Agribusiness Association, Missouri Corn Growers Association, Missouri Farm Bureau Federation, Missouri Pork Association, Missouri Soybean Programs, Diane Olson, Ozark Mountain Popcorn, Paris National Bank, Cheryl and Terry Reams, Pioneer Products of Linn, and Sydenstricker of Missouri.

Players won cash and prizes donated by A.L. Gustin Golf Course, AgriMissouri, Bill and Betty Crouch, Courtyard by Marriott-Columbia, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Nelda Godfrey, Dana Haynes, Tom Henderson, Les Bourgeois Vineyards, Morgan Restaurants, the St. Louis Cardinals, Stoney Creek Inn of Columbia, University Garage, and Walmart Associates of Columbia.

A team of Missouri 4-H Foundation trustees and 4-H staff made this event a success: Ina Linville, Bill and Betty Crouch, Morgan Beach, Patty Hudnut, Jennifer Blair, Bradd Anderson, Kay Sparks, and Missouri 4-H State Council President Dustin Oehle. Cassie Reid and Joe McNary were event photographers.

The Clover Classic committee, led by co-chairs Bob Idel and John Raines, included Jerry Dowell, Morris Burger, Nelda Godfrey, Tom Henderson, Patricia Koenigsfeld, Ina Linville, Cheryl Reams, George Thomas and Kristen Heitkamp.