NEW ORLEANS -- Each year, Marines celebrate the Marine Corps birthday with a ballroom celebration. This year, the Marine Forces Reserve Headquarters’ birthday ball will host more than 1,000 guests and is expected to cost more than a $100,000.
To help pay for the expenses, the MarForRes Fundraising Committee organized a golf tournament at Bayou Barriere Golf Club, Belle Chasse, La., Oct. 19.
“Fundraising allows us to offset the costs for the ball,” said Capt. Brian Wisneski, MarForRes Fundraising Committee chairman. “This tournament is a way for Marines to get out and have fun and support a good cause.”
Forty seven Marines and civilians from MarForRes Headquarters participated in the event to raise money for their ball.
“I’m out here for charity and also to have fun and enjoy nice beautiful weather,” said Sgt. Tony Jarusook, training noncommissioned officer for 4th Marine Division.
Grouped into teams of four, the golfers played 18 holes under the calm southern skies. Teams worked together as they attempted to hit the golf balls into each hole with the fewest number of strokes. Each player drive their own ball from the tee, then the team chooses the best shot. The players pick up their balls, leaving the best shot on the ground. Each team member play from where the best ball landed and repeat this process until the best ball reaches the green, the shortly cut grass on the course designed to enable the ball to roll long distances. Each player then putts their own ball from the green to get it in the hole.
“Even if you don’t know how to play, it’s just good to come out here and have fun with fellow Marines,” said Gunnery Sgt. Steven Saucedo, Installation Personnel Administration Center active maintenance chief and a San Antonio, Texas, native.
After four hours of competing, the players gathered at the golf shop for an awards ceremony. The winning team received putters and a set of golf balls, while the others received awards ranging from a two person gazebo to bags filled with golf memorabilia.
“It was a total team effort,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Robert J. O’Toole, Installation Personnel Administration Center chief, and a Davenport, Iowa, native. “It’s always a good thing any time we can contribute to fundraising events to lower costs for junior Marines and have fun as well. I hope to do more events like this in the near future.”
The tournament raised more than $500 for the birthday ball. The Fundraising Committee plans to raise money through other events such as trap shoots, car washes and other events.