LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Moraga Chamber golf tournament on 9/11 benefits local firefighters association


Happy participants at last year's event Photo Lynn Champagne

This year the Moraga Chamber of Commerce annual golf tournament will be held on Sept. 11 in collaboration with the Moraga Orinda Professional Firefighters Association.The annual event this year will also raise money for this local group that was formed to give back to the community.

The executive director of the chamber, Kathe Nelson explains that this is the first time that a partner is involved in the annual event. She says that the date was a deciding factor. Since Sept. 11 was the only available date for the tournament, Chamber board member Ian Cook suggested involving the local firefighters and take that opportunity to honor those who lost their lives in 2001. Lucas Lambert, vice president of the MOPFA, adds that his association is proud to be part of the event.

Lambert says the association has invited the United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County Honor Guard to present the colors and raise the flag at 11:30 a.m. This guard participates in many events including national and state memorials. The Saklan School children's choir will then sing the national anthem.

This memorial ceremony will follow registration at 10:30 a.m. and a general warm-up session led by a professional trainer from 24 Hour Fitness.

During the tournament that follows, participants will have the opportunity to contribute to the association. They will also partake in fun golf challenges such as hitting farther than a professional golfer or getting closest to the pin on shorter holes. Lunch and drinks will be served to participants during the tournament and a dinner at the club is included in the $175 registration fee.

During the dinner, the association's president, Anthony Stephens, will make a short presentation about MOPFA's objectives and achievements. A silent auction is also scheduled as part of the after-game festivities. Non-golfers can join in for a dinner-only option for $40.

Nelson said that 10 percent of the proceeds will be given to the firefighters association. Lambert adds that his group not only organizes the Moraga and Orinda pancake breakfasts, it is also a contributor to research for children with muscular dystrophy and to the Lisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation. "All the MOFD fire fighters are part of the association," says Lambert. "It is our way to give back to the community."

The annual golf tournament was initiated by then country club general manager Frank Melon. It has been led by Bob Fritzky for the past three years. Participants can register as foursomes or individually on the Chamber's website at moragachamber.org.