May 24 began like many days for Bishop Kenneth Steiner, an avid golfer, but it soon became a day for the record books.
Steiner set out at 5 a.m. for Evergreen Golf Course in Mount Angel, accompanied by Fr. Craig Boly of Portland. When the 18 other golfers arrived at 7 a.m. – the appointed time for the Fr. Bernard Youth Center golf fundraiser – Steiner and Boly had already played 28 holes of golf.
The goal for each golfer was to raise $2,500 by accepting pledges and sponsorships based upon how many holes would be played, then to play at least 100 holes of golf in one day. This was Steiner’s first golf marathon and at age 73, he set a goal to play 73 holes in a day, nearly double what he had ever before accomplished.
By 4 p.m. he had surprised himself by turning in a record round for the marathon having played 140 holes. In doing so, he raised about $4,000 for the Fr. Bernard Youth Center. No other golfer matched his tally. Boly was close behind, but had to leave early to attend an event. Most players completed 100 holes.
“Speaking for myself”, said Don Robison, executive director of the Fr. Bernard Youth Center, “I was DONE after my 100th hole was on the card. I really admire how Bishop Steiner set an example for us in all areas of this important fundraiser by asking people to play and join as a fundraiser, or to pray for those fundraising and playing or to pay for him, fueling him toward the goals he set, then shattered on the day!”
The event has potential to bring in $50,000 for the retreat center with more than $36,000 pledged and other gifts trickling in from those who elected to pay more.
In addition to most holes played (First Place at 140 holes), Bishop Steiner had most hours played (11.5 from 5 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), most golfer fundraisers recruited (five, including himself), and most people asked to pray for the FBYC). He also scored an eagle by sinking a long putt on a par 5 hole to record a 3.
Now in its fifth year, FBYC, located at 980 S. Main St. in Mount Angel, hosts to more than 2,400 young people annually. For details about the Fr. Bernard Youth Center visit www.fbyc.info or call Don Robison at 503-845-4097, e-mail [email protected]
