Two Fundraisers Raise Thousands for Northwestern
Posted on Aug. 8, 2007
Two events raised thousands of dollars for Northwestern Health Sciences University over the last week. The 2007 Ranger Boats Ultimate Bass Challenge drew more than 300 people to Lake Minnetonka on July 27 while the 2007 President’s Invitational attracted 215 golfers on July 30.
“The events both went very well,” said Deborah Peterson, executive director of alumni, development and career services. “We are very pleased with the turnout!”
At the Bass Challenge, 50 teams participated in a fishing tournament led by bass professionals with fully stocked Ranger Boats. The winning team included Roger Van Riper, DC, a 1992 graduate, and his friend Chris Wass.
The event also included cruises on Lake Minnetonka and a Beach Party at the Lord Fletcher’s in Spring Park, Minn. Along the shore, crowds gathered to watch the "weigh-in" show where tournament participants weighed their three largest fish. Additionally, people enjoyed free food, awards, raffles, and contests.
“This is a great event,” said Dave Stude, DC, a participant in the tournament. “I really like supporting Northwestern and its mission.”
Many prizes were given away during the event including a Ranger boat valued at $30,000. Joe Gallagher, the owner of the organization that helped set up the event, won the boat.
Meanwhile the Northwestern Health Sciences University’s 2007 President’s Invitational Golf Tournament brought together supporters of the University for a day of golf followed by a cocktail reception and steak dinner. The event took place on July 30 at the famed Hazeltine National Golf Course in Chaska, Minn.
The winning golfer was John Mugford, who had a low-gross score of 72. The teams with the lowest net scores were comprised of Jerry Ruzicka, Lou Raiola, Jeff Taylor, Reed Larson and Mark Zeigler; Mike Fodstad, Jim Paul, Matt Joyce, Mark Stehr and Chuck Sawyer; and Grant Potunly, Ryan Potulny, Paul Martin, Jon Waibel and Troy Riddle. All three teams had a net score of 110. The teams with the lowest gross scores were comprised of John Valentini, Tim Laudner, Mike Schimder, Larry Valentini and K.C. Paulson; and Bob Baumgartner, Jim Stanley, Rick Long, Ryan Elton and Brad Bombardir. Both teams had a gross score of 142. In third place with a score of 146 were Kent Erickson, Patti Erickson, David Klapmeier and Richard Zarmbinski.
In addition to the tournament, Mark Zeigler, DC, president of Northwestern, awarded the annual President’s Award to Jerry Peterson. Peterson, of HESCO, has been instrumental in helping the University keep its equipment up to date. Additionally, Peterson works in the University’s career services office, providing support to students and alumni.
“Anything you ask Jery to do, he does,” said Debbie Peterson. “He is a huge supporter of the University and is truly passionate about making sure students are successful when they graduate. He’s just one of those people who is always giving.”
The Bass Challenge and the President’s Invitational are two of three main fundraisers the University conducts each year. The other major fundraiser is the Stars Among Us Gala. The amount raised at the events is still being tallied.