By Patrick Webb
InkFreeNews

SILVER LAKE — The Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department golf outing fundraiser is returning for its 10th year at 8 a.m. Sunday, June 30.

According to Silver Lake Fire Chief John Conley, the idea of the golf outing came after Conley attended other fire department golf outings when he joined the department in 2006. Conley said he approached Phil Shalley, a long standing member of the fire department, who worked at Sycamore Golf Club in North Manchester about Silver Lake Fire holding a fundraiser.

“He thought it was (a good idea) and I went to the department members and asked for permission to do the fundraiser,” said Conley. He chose the last Sunday in June to not compete with other departments’ golf outings.

“The first year was a little nerve-wracking not knowing if anyone would come, but with the help of Phil and Robbie recruiting, people came,” said Conley. He also credited Todd Sandow, a member of the Professional Golfer’s Association and owner of Sycamore Golf, who “helped me to make sure of everything that I needed to do to get prepared for the day.”

Conley said that funds from the golf outing have been used to buy equipment for the department, such as upgrading scene lights on firetrucks and burn containers behind the fire station for training.

Funds have also been used to provide department training, such as by Dunny’s Pump Service, a fire department equipment supplier based in Syracuse.

“Some of these projects required multiple years to complete,” said Conley. “We also were able to purchase a cascade system to fill our self-contained breathing apparatus bottles.”

Conley said the golf outing has 14-16 teams on average, but can accommodate more teams by talking with the Sycamore Golf Club if it goes past with preregistration.

Several sponsors have supported the golf outing since it started, Conley said, including Ayres Farm, Hohmann Excavating, Kerlin Bus, Metzger Trucking, Tecomet and Sommers Veterinary Clinic.

Additional sponsors have included Wise Farms, Protechs, Lake City Bank, Town of Silver Lake, Someplace Else Saloon, Lakeview Liquors, and Kerlin Motors.

“Without these companies and people, the golf outing wouldn’t be possible. And the department greatly appreciates their support,” said Conley.

According to a Silver Lake Volunteer Fire press release, teams of four can sign up for $200, or individuals can sign up for $50 and possibly be assigned to a team.

The Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department is also looking for door prizes for the event. Conley said he is also able to purchase door prizes with donated funds.

Golf holes can be sponsored with a sign placed by the hole. Sponsorship according to the Silver Lake Fire Department press release includes:

• One hole and one team, $250.
• Two holes and up, with one team: $50 increase per hole.
• Two holes and up, with one team, for each hole sponsored: $25 increase per hole.
• One hole and no team: $100.
• Two holes and no team: $50 increase per hole.

For $500, a sponsor can have their name added to the side of all golf carts during the outing. The first place team will have their entry fee reimbursed.

Sponsorships can also be done for prizes. Prizes include:

• Longest Drive: $75; $50 is given to the winner, and $25 goes to the department.
• Closest-to-the-pin: $50 is given to the winner, and $25 goes to the department.
• Longest putt: $75; $50 is given to the winner, and $25 goes to the department.
• Hole-in-one: A high-dollar item that is only given if there is a hole-in-one.

Lunch will be provided for the golf outing.

Checks can be made payable to the Silver Lake Vol. Fire Dept. and mailed to 702 E. Main St., Silver Lake, P.O. Box 64. To pre-register a team, email [email protected] or call (260) 352-3245.