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Published: Tuesday, March 01, 2011 –The weather shown favorably on the Rotary Club of Strongsville’s 20th Annual B’laster Chili Open Golf Classic on Feb. 26, as hundreds of attendees enjoyed the rare opportunity for outdoor winter golf and some indoor camaraderie at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds.
“It’s probably going to be the best one ever,” Rotary president Jerry Balint said.
An almost foot of fresh snow covered the two nine-hole courses constructed in the fairgrounds, with golfers hitting the frosty links as early as 9 a.m. Inside, revelers were treated to plenty of food and drink as they took part in hourly auction rounds that included an impressive item list and local media personalities.
Event organizer Dave Riehl estimated that approximately 700 participated in the all-day event. Speaking with Sun Star-Courier in the indoor VIP area, he remarked on the enthusiastic atmosphere generated by the diverse group.
“It’s a very lively crowd this year,” he said.
Perhaps the most highly-coveted raffle item was a golf lovers dream; four tickets to the 2011 Masters Tournament in April at Augusta National Golf Course in Georgia estimated at $15,000-$20,000, and including entrance to the Saturday and Sunday activities of the tournament, lodging and invitations to related social events. Riehl indicated that almost all 500 of the $100 tickets for this special raffle had been sold as the drawing approached.
“It’s something no one else can get,” he said.
North Olmsted resident John Henry is a member of the “Hat Guys”; a group of men from across Greater Cleveland that attend the event every year donning unique headgear. The core group of eight members have made the open a tradition for more than a decade, and always sit at the same table near the auctioneer.
“It’s a good organization,” Henry said of Rotary, adding that the genesis of the hats is a mystery. “We feel very welcome here.”
As in previous years, $30,000 of the proceeds from the event have been designated for charitable organizations. The 2011 beneficiaries are: Berea Children’s Home, Central American Medical Outreach, City Mission/Laura’s Home, Cleveland Scholarship Programs, Easter Seals, Greater Cleveland Youth Challenge, Hanson House, Light House, Malachi House, Ronal McDonald House, Rose-Mary Center and the Strongsville Education Foundation. The remaining funds will help facilitate Rotarian events throughout the coming year.
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