Moorpark Rotary Celebrity Golf Tournament brings in big bucks

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers HARDWARE- Jim Weatherley flashes the Super Bowl ring he won with the Oakland Raiders. To help raise money to support local youth sport teams in the area, the Rotary Club of Moorpark and the Moorpark Packers youth football team held the second annual Moorpark Rotary Celebrity Golf Tournament on Monday at Wood Ranch Golf Club.

Although the tournament has taken place the last eight years, it was just the second year in which the event included celebrities. That decision came after the celebrities helped raise $32,000 at the 2006 tournament.

"Last year the celebrities helped take this tournament to a new level," Rotary Club President James H. Arthur said. "There is a real power in celebrity when used right. We made $32,000 last year, and we are anticipating that we make $40,000 this year."

According to Lyle Pennington, a former president and co-chair of the Moorpark Celebrity Golf Tournament, the money raised goes toward sports equipment, such as uniforms, as well as scholarships for athletes that can't afford them in the "no child left behind" scholarship fund.

Money also went to support the Boys & Girls Club of Moorpark and numerous other charities.

"Our tournament committee is dedicated to making this a fantastic, fun event with lots of excitement on the course, a quick dinner, a huge raffle drawing and a tightly executed silent and live auction," Pennington said.

"We appreciate everyone's busy schedules and plan to complete our dinner and auction activities in record time."

This year the tournament saw 31 celebrities lend a helping hand.

Emmy Awardnominated actor and writer Alan Thicke, best known for his role on the ABC series "Growing Pains," was glad to be back at the event.

"When you add the cause this is going toward, the people here and the golf club, it became a winwin-win situation," Thicke said. "For me it was a no-brainer to come here today. I'm looking forward to helping a good cause and hanging out with my son Brennan. There are a lot of enthusiastic people here, and the event is organized very well."

Actor Chad Everett, known for his role as Dr. Joe Gannon on "Medical Center," participates in many events with his charity "Gift of Life," and was glad to be back at the celebrity golf tournament.

"I do this because it's a Rotary tournament and I believe in what they do," Everett said. "I like that it's not important today who wins the event but rather that everyone has a good time supporting a good cause."

Former Oakland Raider center Jim Weatherley, who played on the 1976-77 Super Bowl team, was glad to be helping youth football.

"Football has become an expensive sport, and the parents really need help raising money to be able to have their kids play," Weatherley said. "This includes the cheerleaders, too. People need money for equipment and transportation. The focus is to try and raise money so kids will continue to keep playing the sport."

While the tournament served as a way to raise money, there was also some golf to be played. Besides the tournament, other games were included during the day, like a chipping contest, a putting contest and a guessyourdistanceonthe-green game.

Bruce Sievers, who has published five books and was recently nominated by Congress to be the Poet Laureate of the United States, was glad to be at the event, even if not too many people recognized him.

"I don't know how many people have come up to me asking 'Who are you?' today," Sievers said with a laugh.

"Still it's great to be here and help give back to the community. I speak at a lot of Rotary clubs, and it will be nice to meet some new people and play golf today. Hopefully I can help my team out, but that all depends on if my drivers are working today. My short game isn't that great."

Bruce McNall, former Los Angeles Kings owner and the man responsible for bringing Wayne Gretsky to Los Angeles, also attended the event.

"This is my first year doing the event," McNall said. "Alan Thicke called me up and told me about the cause, and after that I knew I would come. I thought it would be nice to help and also see some old friends. I'm also looking forward to meeting some new people. It should be a lot of fun, and I'm hoping to have a good day on the golf course."

The team that had the best day on the golf course by winning the tournament was a group that referred to themselves as the "Car Guys," including Felix Katz, Gabe Ulloa, Billy Hernandez and Scott Kudler.

Other celebrities helping out on Monday included actors Rad Daly, Patrika Darbo, Michael Dudikoff, Richard Gant, Laura Johnson, Tyler Mane, Chip McAllister and Marc McClure.