Zak!Charity Open Raises Record Amount
The theme of this year’s Zak!Charity Open was The Ripple Effect, and judging by the success of the two-day event, there are going to be some large ripples rolling through the Spokane area for some time to come. This year’s Zak!Charity Open raised more than $550,000 – a record-breaking amount – to benefit the Rypien Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of Spokane County – two local charities who work tirelessly to help children receive the hope they desperately need.
“I’m still in awe by the generosity of this community,” said Irv Zakheim, founder of the Zak!Charity Open. “So many people around the world turn a blind eye to the hardships in their backyard, but the people in Spokane never fail to step up and do whatever they can to make a difference. And that never fails to inspire and amaze me.”
The Zak!Charity Open was founded 14 years ago as a way to raise money for local children’s charities. This year’s proceeds will help the Rypien Foundation and its mission to provide hope to families in the Inland Northwest with children who suffer from cancer. Funds will also benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Spokane County who provide hope and opportunities to help local children succeed in life.
The Zak!Charity Open kicked off with a dinner and auction at Northern Quest Resort & Casino on July 28 and was followed by two separate golf tournaments – one at Spokane Country Club and the other at Manito Golf & Country Club on July 29. With the record-breaking total this year, the Zak!Charity Open has now raised more than $4 million for local children’s charities.
“It’s difficult to put into words how much we appreciate all the donors, and sponsors, and volunteers who have stepped up over the years to make this all possible,” Zakheim said. “That kind of hard work, dedication, and generosity is how the ripple effect gets started. And that’s exactly what we did this year.”
For more information, visit www.zakcharityopen.org, or call 509-244-8656.
