Teeing Off for a Great Cause: The 27th Annual IC System Charity Golf Tournament

On Friday, August 15, 2025, I had a blast volunteering at the 27th Annual IC System Charity Golf Tournament at Tanners Brook Golf Course in Forest Lake, MN. It was a day filled with laughter, connection, and the kind of feel-good energy that makes you grateful to be part of something bigger.

Teaming Up for a Great Cause

The tournament committee—Christine Leick (our fearless chair!), David Gunderson, and Mike Selbitschka—knocked it out of the park. Thanks to their hard work and Christine’s passion, we raised an incredible $45,772, more than $10,000 above last year’s total!

As one of the volunteers, I got to join an awesome crew: Carrie Dorsey, Lisa Erickson, Nicole Evans, Kym Hyde-Strand, Missy Johnson, Barb Miller, Lisa Ritland, Walter Taylor, Jamie Vitale, and Tamara Ward. While they each held down their holes and games like pros, Christine and I were the cart paparazzi—buzzing around in our golf cart, cheering everyone on, and snapping photos to capture all the fun.

Golf, Games, and Good Times

The tournament was a scramble format with a best-ball, shotgun start, and 26 foursomes hit the course with enthusiasm. While cruising around in our golf cart, Christine and I couldn’t help but cheer on golfers as they tackled the games sprinkled across the course:

• Chip for Charity: I saw some impressive shots (and a few hilarious misses!)
• Putt Contest: The focus on those greens was intense
• Minute to Win It Challenge: Pure chaos and laughter—my kind of game!
• Hole of Fortune: For $10, players spun a wheel for prizes like a mulligan or even a dream shot at a hole-in-one. Landing a great prize always sparked plenty of laughs and high-fives

The games brought out everyone’s playful side, and it was a blast catching up with my coworkers—plus I got to meet a few new faces along the way

Gratitude to Our Sponsors

Huge thanks to our 34-hole sponsors and 46 prize sponsors! They made the day possible by donating to sponsor a hole, providing amazing prizes for the raffle and silent auction, and many joining in on the fun by golfing during the event.

Making a Real Impact

The best part? The money raised will be split evenly among four amazing charities: A Soldier’s Child Foundation, Hope 4 Youth, Down Syndrome Association, and Children’s Miracle Network. Knowing our fun-filled day will directly help these organizations makes my heart swell with pride.

Cheers to the Champs

Congrats to our winners! The blended team “The Golf Fathers”—TJ Lee, Chris Bemlott, Matty McHale, and Jimmy “The Ringer”—swung their way to the top, while the all-IC team “Citrus Slicers”—Greg Young, Eric Johannes, Bryan Campbell, and Nate Hagge—sliced through the competition with style. Nicely done, guys!

My Favorite Moments

Volunteering gave me the best seat in the house—or should I say, the best cart on the course. I loved zooming around with Christine, chatting with players, and soaking in laughter and friendly banter (plus dodging the occasional rogue golf ball!). Seeing everyone coming together for such a great cause reminded me why I love being part of this event.

A Big Win for Christine and the Team

I can’t say enough about Christine Leick and the team for pulling off such a stellar event. Topping last year’s total by $10,000 is no small feat, and I’m already excited to see what we’ll do next year. For now, I’m just savoring the memories of a day filled with fun, friendship, and a whole lot of heart.