When 'Dimes' were worth much, much, more

MOSES LAKE - On Thursday one of the sons of Moses Lake came back home and gave back to many who may not have been blessed with the life he himself has had.

Moses Lake Chief alumnus Jordan Reffett, a former Washington Huskie and Pittsburgh Steeler, hosted the first Jordan Reffett Foundation and March of Dimes Celebrity Golf Tournament at Moses Pointe Golf Course and the returns were very positive according to the Super Bowl winner.

"It was a great event as all the celebrities had a great time and enjoyed the people and beautiful scenery," Reffett said. "I appreciate all the support from the people of Moses Lake. This will be an event that will get better and better every year."

A number of professional athletes past and present hit the links and combined with their presence and the good will of many golfers and sports fans brought home a nice chunk of change for the cause, raising over $10,000 for the March of Dimes.

Former Huskie legend and NFL player Steve Emtman and current Seahawk Roy Lewis must have enjoyed their visit to the Columbia Basin.

"Steve and Roy Lewis are going in with me to buy a place out on the lake," Reffett told the Herald.

"It was great and I think everyone had a good time being involved," Emtman said. "I've been to a lot of those types of events and this one was well organized and it was well put together for a first time. It will be good to see it grow from there."

The winning team of the scramble competition was composed of Lewis Hogan, David Tubbs, Eddy Hoff, Mark Schwartz and their celebrity member, Lewis, a current Seahawks cornerback.

KP honors went to celebrity former Huskies, Greyson Gunheim of the Oakland Raiders. Gunheim won a trip to the Farmers Open and a new Odyssey Putter.

"It was a great course and didn't realize it was there until I got to the event," Emtman said. "We'd see the country club and never knew it was there. I really liked it so I'll probably want to play it again."

The longest drive champion was Matt Cooper of Moses Lake (302 yards)

The biggest donation made came via Moses Lake's Troy Duzon for an undisclosed amount.

"Thanks to all who played, donated and sponsored the Jordan Reffett Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic benefiting the March of Dimes," Reffett said. "Get ready for next year."

If all goes well many of those who played may be back in the fold and with that the interest could grow.

"With most of the events it's always about who you get with and see if you click," Emtman said. "Most of the time people are pretty good at making it fun and you are trying to have a good time at the end of the day while supporting a charity. Anytime you can play golf and do something good for people is a pretty good excuse to chase the white ball around."

Some hoped for celebrity guests were unable to attend due to personnel committments, such as Moses Lake alum and current Washington State Cougar, B.J. Guerra.