Zach Johnson Foundation Classic Raises $700,000 for Local Charities

By Addison Speck, Reporter

Zach Johnson pulls a kid from the audience to help him line up his very last shot on the 18th hole ofthe Zach Johnson Foundation Classic at Elmcrest Country Club in Cedar Rapids on Monday, July 30, 2012. (Cliff Jette/The Gazette-KCRG TV9)

Tools

By Belinda Yeung

Story Created: Jul 30, 2012 at 9:14 AM CDT

Story Updated: Jul 30, 2012 at 11:40 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Hundreds of golf fans came out to Elmcrest Country Club in Cedar Rapids Monday for some celebrity sightings and a little golf too. Zach Johnson hosted his foundation's annual golf classic. The tournament raises money for the group, "Kids on Course," and Zach invited a few friends to help. The result? $700,000 raised.

Organizers and parents said on Monday that "Kids on Course" is more than a typical after school program. It includes family activities and works to understand all aspects of the child's life. Monday's proceeds will help the program expand and provide more students with enrichment opportunities.

"I'm just happy that we got to see the golfers," said Dakokta Harris, of Cedar Rapids. Harris and his family sat and watched as golfers hit balls across Elmcrest Country Club. It was the first time the family had been to a professional golf outing. "I had a lot of fun and it's just so great I get to be here," said Harris's younger sister Kaylee.

Dakota was part of "Kids on Course" as a second grader. It's a program housed at Harrison and Van Buren Elementary School. In its first year, the program was offered to 2nd graders providing them with athletic, academic and artistic opportunities. "We focus on the entire family and try to provide students with opportunities for enrichment that they might not otherwise be able to access,"said program director Ruth White.

"It allows them to do all kinds of different things after school, stuff that you know, as a big family we would never be able to do," said Charity Harris, the mother of Dakota. The program allows the entire Harris family to participate in monthly events.

After a successful first year, "Kids on Course" will expand to including 2nd and 3rd graders. The Harris Family is excited to continue with the program and for the additional families that will benefit like they have.

Anybody can enroll to be part of "Kids on Course". The program is also looking for new collaborations.

Conversation Guidelines

Be Kind

Don't use abusive, offensive, threatening, racist, vulgar or sexually-oriented language.
Don't attack someone personally. Keep it civil and be responsible.

Share Knowledge

Be truthful. Share what you know and what you are passionate about.
What more do you want to learn? Keep it simple.

Stay focused

Promote lively and healthy debate. Stay on topic. Ask questions and give feedback on the story's topic.

Report Trouble

Help us maintain a quality comment section by reporting comments that are offensive. If you see a comment that is offensive, or you feel violates our guidelines, simply click on the "x" to the far right of the comment to report it.


read the full guidelines here »

Commenting will be disabled on stories dealing with the following subject matter: Crime, sexual abuse, property fires, automobile accidents, Amber Alerts, Operation Quickfinds and suicides.

What's On KCRG