Fundraiser sinks hole-in-one, despite rain

According to the Web site for Kiwanis’ Switzerland-Liechtenstein District: For once, the weather forecast was right. Unfortunately for the Kiwanis Club of Basel Merian, Switzerland, that forecast called for cold temperatures and rain—on the day of the club’s annual golf tournament fundraiser.

Nevertheless, plenty of golfers turned up for the event, warmed by hot boullon at the ninth hole, great prizes for their game performances, and an overall feeling of joy, knowing they benefited families.

The tournament, which raised about 15,000 Swiss franc (CHF), provided funds for underprivileged single-parent families to enjoy vacations.

“In Switzerland we have a charity organization called ‘Winterhilfe’ which gives up to CHF900 for various cost to cover the essentials,” explains Kiwanian Susanna Billerbeck. “Holidays, however, are not paid. This is where our club came in. These families cannot afford holidays; therefore, we paid the vacation, and Winterhilfe told us who needed the money the most and helped us organize the holiday camp and accompany them.”

The Basel Merian club chooses a different beneficiary each year and already is planning for next year’s tournament.