The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

The 6th Annual Chinook Golf Course Community Dinner and Auction fundraiser kicked of a spectacular weekend for the local course. The event has been the primary fundraiser for the course during its run and event organizer Ginger Hansen has done a remarkable job hosting the event each and every year.

Held at the Blaine County Fairgrounds Commercial Building the auction and dinner have plenty of space available for a comfortable gathering of friends and family to look over the auction items and visit before dinner. There was a beverage bar available to all that was operated by the Chinook Eagles for folks to enjoy as they got settled in.

The Dinner featured Barbecue Baby Back Ribs with salads and all the fixings which always includes some classic Ginger Hansen desserts. The Auction was once again conducted by Kevin Elias who as always brought his eclectic sense of humor and witt while getting the top dollar for each auction item. Steve Warburton handled all the music, playing a nice set in the background during the preview and the dinner. Following the live auction, he cranked up the sounds and entertained the crowd until closing.

Upon its conclusion it could only be counted as a great night for the course, "A huge success! Many great people from our community, as well as surrounding communities came out in record numbers to support our cause," said Hansen. "We enjoyed fantastic food, fun, conversation and music provided by Steve Warburton, all while being entertained by the amazing talents which only Kevin Elias can provide. We are very fortunate to have him at our beckon call."

Hansen was thrilled with how the dinner turned out as well, "The Baby back ribs, lovingly prepared by the Parson brothers were absolutely wonderful! We also had the largest number of auction items available to bid on that we have had to date. There was something for everyone. We are tremendously grateful for the generosity of the items, as well as the bidders!"

Hansen is proud of how the course has put the money raised to work, "Our golf course is once again, in wonderful condition, due to the tireless efforts of Mike Seymour and Mike Jones. We are happy to say that we can look forward to another year of golf, at Chinook Golf and Country Club, due to those efforts, as well as the fine people that came out for a fun filled evening!"

Chris and Keri Sullivan graciously gifted the auction a number of items that belonged to Chris's Dad, Don 'Sully' Inez Halseth has faithfully been Ginger's right-hand aid and done everything asked of her to help ensure the night is a success. A process that takes weeks to put together. The kitchen and floor were again filled with a large group of volunteers doing all the little things that really bring and Event together and the crew that helps at the annual dinner and banquet has always done a fantastic job.

All the monies raised during the auction and dinner go directly to the course. Funds have been used to purchase new equipment, repair old equipment and for general day to day maintenance. The Chinook Golf Course is a member owned facility and the cost of operating in such a small town is always going to be considerable. The Course has three primary tournaments each season, the Maurice Harshman Memorial, the 27 Hole Triple Play and the Fireball all of which sell out. The clubhouse is also available throughout the year and can be use as a reception venue or family gathering. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 10, 223 for the 7th Annual Chinook Golf Course Community Dinner and Auction!