Men’s Niners 2026 Fundraiser for Hamilton High Golfers

Jim Campbell

Jim Wegman, Publicity

For the past 14 years, the Men’s Niners have supported the Hamilton High School Golf Program with a fundraiser, including a Play Day with our members. 2026 was no exception. The Niners membership stepped up again this year and raised over $6,000 for Hamilton High’s Golf Program.

Members canvassed local merchants and restaurants and rounded up gifts to generate funds for the teams. League members also made personal donations for the March 3 raffle.

These events require a lot of work and coordination from the league volunteers. President Jerry Richards led the effort with team members Special Events Chairman Jim Campbell, Treasurer Mike Crewdson, Media Director Bob Pender, board members, and a very long list of volunteers who canvassed and met with contributors. Please review the list and return the favor by visiting the establishments listed, and when you are there, thank these generous folks for helping make the event a success.

We would not be successful without the help and generosity of the IronOaks golf professionals Mark Thesing and Koby Welch and teaching pros Jan Roberts and Tim Wilkins. These pro golfers provided free lessons as well as logistic support for the event.

The Hamilton High Play Day is always hectic, but we have a special staff member working the Oakwood Pro Shop desk. Barbara Solomonson juggles all the parts to ensure it all happens smoothly. And a big thank you to General Manager Jim Pulver who provided the pizza and pop for the Play Day lunch. Thank you, BlueStar, for your support of this event.

The 2026 Play Day included members from the Hamilton Boys and Girls Golf Teams. The golf skills demonstrated by these young golfers, from tee to green, was impressive. What was more impressive than their skill was their friendly, courteous demeanor and their demonstrated golf etiquette.

Hats off to the people and organizations who made this event possible:

Culvers Restaurant, Brian Russell

Sun Lakes Country Club, Rick Howell

Trader Joe’s Management

Nando’s Mexican Café

West USA Realty, Ed Anderson

Edward Jones Agency, Christine Lobdell Raney and Brad Sonoda

Victoria Nail Care, Lisa

The Better Biscuit Management

Mamma Thai Kitchen Management

Street Queen Tacos 2, Richie

Blue 32 Restaurant

Vanna Nail Spa

Stone & Barrel, Gunner Edington

First Watch Restaurant, Manager Paige

Keegan’s Restaurant, Paul Burdick

IHOP Restaurant, Manager Edward Sproul

Mod Pizza, Manager Sarha

Springfield Golf Course, Manager Rich Strozewski

Ocotillo Golf Club, Head Pro Sean Paul

Denny’s Restaurant

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Manager Jim

SunBird Golf Course, Manager Dave White

Palo Verde Golf Course, Head Pro Joey Jones

Cottonwood Restaurant, Misty Aviles

Cottonwood Golf Course, Head Pro John Griglak

Rigatoni’s Italian Restaurant, Manager Ruth Ann

Young Home Team Realty, Jim Campbell

Black Bear Restaurant, Manager Jeff

IronOaks Lifestyle Manager Gustave Quitto

League Members Who Made Special Contributions:

Jerry Richards

Bill Pender

Ed Anderson

Jim Theobald

Jim Campbell

John Gaudioso

Pete Stein

Jim Janowski

Jim Wegman