Sep 3, 2014
Zak!Charity Open Celebrates 15 Years of Hope

Fifteen years ago, it was nothing more than an idea. An idea to establish an event that would bring together businesses, community leaders, and volunteers all working toward one common goal – to deliver hope to children who desperately need it. Today, that idea has become one of the premiere charity events in the Inland Northwest, and on July 27-28, the Zak!Charity Open showed that after 15 years it’s still going strong by raising more than $560,000 to benefit local children’s charities.

“I have to step back sometimes and take a reality check because I can’t believe what this event has grown into,” said Irv Zakheim, founder of the Zak!Charity Open. “It’s a testament to the generosity and compassion of the people in this area.”

Since its inception, the Zak!Charity Open has raised more than $4.7 million for local children’s charities. Proceeds from the 2014 event will benefit the Rypien Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of Spokane County. The Rypien Foundation was founded by Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien, who lost his three year old son, Andrew, to cancer. The Rypien Foundation helps provide children who are battling cancer and their families with the support and services they need during their most difficult times. Since 2001, Boys & Girls Clubs of Spokane County has provided a strong foundation of hope, support and guidance to thousands of youth and teens in local neighborhoods that need a Club the most.

The theme of this year’s event was The Heart of Hope, and the spirit of giving that inspired that theme was definitely apparent as the event kicked off with the “Summer Celebration” dinner & auction on July 27 at Northern Quest Resort & Casino. The following day, volunteers, supporters, and participants headed to Spokane Country Club and Manito Golf & Country Club for two separate golf tournaments. Through it all, there were smiles, hugs, and a comradery that only comes from people who know exactly how powerful The Heart of Hope can be.

“After 15 years, I’m still so impressed by how willing people in this community are to step up and do whatever they can to help children,” Zakheim said. “That’s the true success of this event. That’s where the real hope comes from.”

For more information about the event, visit www.zakcharityopen.org, or call 509-244-8656.




Social Connections


📣 Meet our speakers! 📣The Garden Center Show, presented by Lawn & Garden Retailer, is excited to announce our Keynote Speakers! 📣 Michelle Sherrier: Owner of MC Design Academy and host of The Retail Whore Podcast📣 Tim Quebedeaux: Owner of RetailKPI and Service Provider for The Garden Center GroupBe sure to check them out, along with our full, FREE conference schedule for The Garden Center Show, Aug. 6-7 in Rosemont, IL.🔗 Register for FREE: LGRMag.com/GCSRegister🌐 Learn more: www.gardencentershow.com🚌 Bus tour info: lgrmag.com/LGRBusTour#GCS24 #GardenCenterShow #GardenEvents #InPersonEvent #Networking #RetailStrategies #SpecialtyRetailers #GardenCenter #Conference #speaker #keynotespeaker ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Gift Shop Plus Winter 2024
Get one year of Gift Shop Plus in both print and digital editions for just $16.

Interested in reading the print edition of Gift Shop Plus?

Subscribe Today »

website development by deyo designs