The Amberwell Atchison Volunteers are celebrating a major milestone this year—the 30th anniversary of their annual golf tournament. Scheduled for June 7th at the Bellevue Country Club, this event promises to be a day of fun and friendly competition.
Ethel Smith and Kathy Butler, co-coordinators of the golf tournament for the past decade, are excited about this year’s special anniversary. While they’ve enjoyed running the tournament, they hope to see new faces join the group. “It’s always good to get new people involved because they have new ideas,” said Kathy, acknowledging the fresh energy that new volunteers can bring to the event.
The tournament has evolved over the years to become the largest fundraiser for the group. The event typically features a lively atmosphere with lunch provided to participants and a variety of prizes up for grabs through raffles and contests. Ethel highlighted the raffle, which often includes large-ticket items like TVs and outdoor grills. “We’ve got some great prizes, thanks to the generous support of our community,” she noted.
One of the event’s unique features is the cookie table, which has become a highly anticipated staple. “Our tournament is known for the cookies!” Ethel said with a smile. This year, the Volunteers are adding special golf-themed cupcakes decorated with little golf flags to celebrate the 30th anniversary, giving participants an extra sweet treat to enjoy.
Funds raised from the tournament go toward scholarships to support local students pursuing careers in healthcare and help meet various hospital needs. “From 2021 to 2023, we gave almost $20,000 to Amberwell Atchison,” Kathy mentioned.
Reflecting on the broader impact of the tournament, the ladies spoke about the importance of community volunteering. “Volunteers are an asset to our nonprofit organizations,” Kathy said. “Atchison is a caring community; we take care of our neighbors.” The 30th annual golf tournament not only raises funds for a good cause but also serves as a reminder of the strong community spirit in Atchison.
Volunteering at Amberwell Atchison has been a community tradition since 1957. The Volunteers provide opportunities for adults, while students ages fourteen to eighteen can participate in the Junior Volunteer Program. Both groups contribute more than 115,000 hours of service yearly to the Sunflower Gift Shop, the Twice Is Nice Thrift Shop, mail delivery, surgery hospitality, information desk, arts and crafts, and various fundraisers.
As the Amberwell Atchison Volunteers gear up for the big day, they extend an invitation to those interested in volunteering. Joining this dedicated group offers a unique opportunity to participate in meaningful service and connect with others who share a commitment to caring for the community. By volunteering, we become part of a tradition that not only enriches local healthcare but also strengthens the bonds within our community.
