Saint Francis & the Birdies

"Did St. Francis golf?!” bellowed an enthusiastic Pat Scully over a crowd of 128 excited golfers as they eagerly anticipated the shotgun start of an exhilarating day. “If he did,” replied a jovial Mic Carlson, “he knew how to gather the birdies!” This playful banter launched the fourth annual SFSG Golf Outing on Friday, September 16 at Scott Lake Golf Course.

“It was a perfect day!” exclaimed Carlson, commenting on the balmy 81 degrees and blues skies in mid-September. “The event’s success is due to our sponsors,” said Carlson. “We owe a huge thank you to our biggest donor, Pat Scully, of Scully Statewide Moving. Other big sponsors were Gary Szotko, Shawn Gary Alliance Beverage, Michael and Tori Buck, Ed Postma, Nawara Brothers, and of course, emcee extraordinaire, Tony Gates. Plus, all the auction donations and tee-sign sponsors…” Carlson smiles and brings his hands to his heart, adding, “We raised more than $26,000 in one day! It’s just incredible and humbling. I’m so grateful to everyone.”

“My favorite part,” said golfer Mark Stankus, “was the smoked kielbasa served on hole #4 by Gary of Lewandoski’s Meat Market. I wanted to go back for seconds and thirds!” Also on hole #4 Michael and Tori Buck (M-Buck Studio) supplied camera equipment and expert advice for Susan Evangelista who took the photos and created the goofy/fun atmosphere. The pin flags were special this year too, with imagery of St. Francis, sponsored by Ed Postma, president of Exalta Health.

This year’s foursome of Dan Hudson, Dan Kniivila, Kevin Murphy and Tom Werkmeister won with a score of 56 (15 under par). They not only won bragging rights, but the coveted, one-of-a-kind bronze sculpture trophies created by Mic Carlson.

“The golf outing does so much good,” said Carlson. “Beyond raising funds for the maintenance of the Saint Francis Sculpture Garden, it brings people together, creates a sense of community and common purpose for the good things in life like friendship, nature, fun, and connection.”