By Jordan Ascencio
The Sapulpa Elks Lodge has updated its facility to have an event center to serve the community and to rent out to the public. The event center provides a low-cost option for citizens of Sapulpa to host celebrations of all kinds.
The Elks is a nonprofit organization, so the funds it raises keeps its building updated and keeps things clean. Each year a member is assigned to run the event center and to manage the event calendar and rentals.
Gail Stephens has held this position for the last 2 years and was ready for a change. “We have had the same set up for over 40 years and everything is so damaged we need to update. We host so many events for youth sports, the Buddy Banquet and more; they all deserve a nice place to sit and visit.”
Stephens saw a need and set out to fill it, so she started planning the 1st Annual Elks Community Golf Tournament. She and fellow member Bunny Wannemacher aimed to raise hole donations, gift cards, and prizes.
The tournament was held Saturday, August 17th at the Rock Creek Golf Course with a total of 18 teams made up of 4 people per team. Players could win a multitude of cash prizes, gift certificates, and donated prizes.
14 volunteers ran the tournament, which included over 16 hole sponsorships, and was a huge success, raising around $4,500. “We are so pleased with how it all turned out and we cannot wait to shop for new tables and chairs,” says Wannemacher.
Winners
1st place team- James Johnson, Johnny Wright, Jax Johnson and Johnny Johnson
2nd place team- Brian Stephens, David Widdoes, David McBride and Kevin Ramsey
3rd place team- Joe Tuttle, Lee Inman, and Brian Lunger
Longest drive- Lee Inman
Longest Putt- Ron Fulmer
Closest to the pin- Jax Johnson
Putting contest- Carl Wald and David McBride
Poker Run- Dennis Tooahimpah
