DEF Tinka Tournament golfers tee off Oct. 26
On October 26th at 10 a.m. at the Denison Country Club, an estimated 100 golfers will tee off in one of North Texas’ most popular and fun charity golf classics: the Denison Education Foundation’s annual Tinka Looney Memorial Golf Tournament. Now in its 21st year, the tournament benefits Denison school children through DEF’s innovative classroom grant program, and organizers say there’s still time to enter or sponsor.
“This amazing golf tournament has raised more than a half-million dollars over the years, which is a tremendous accomplishment,” said golfer and tournament organizer Matt Looney, whose late mother’s lifelong efforts to improve education for all Denison school kids inspired the tournament’s inception. “It’s a fun and laid-back tournament…supported by generous people and friends who are so loyal to our schools and kids. Our goal is to make this year’s tournament the most successful ever. We hope you’ll join us.”
The tournament’s $130 entry fee includes 18 holes of 4-man scramble golf, carts, lots of hole competitions and coveted grand prizes, great food and beverages, and one of the area’s best silent auctions. “Our Tinka Tournament is both affordable and fun… and it benefits something we all care about: our children’s education,” said DEF Executive Director Lisa Crawley.
“Online entry and sponsorships are a quick and easy two-step process,” added Crawley. “Just click on the ‘DEF Tinka Golf Tournament’ on the front page of the DISD website at www.denisonisd.net and complete the form. You can also call us at 903-462-7050, or stop by our DEF office at 1201 S. Rusk Avenue and we’ll get you signed up. Golfers are welcome to put together their own teams. It’s a 4-man scramble, and we’ll use handicaps to ensure fairness.”
Looney says the loyalty of golfers and generosity of sponsors continue to make the Tinka Tournament a huge success. “DEF has funded more than $1.3 million in classroom grants and scholarships to date, which have been facilitated in great part by our generous event sponsors, hole sponsors, entry fees and auction proceeds. We couldn’t exist without them.”
Dr. Henry Scott, DISD Superintendent, says the benefits and improvements that are gained as a result of the grants are huge. “In order to help our kids master the critical thinking skills needed to succeed in today’s college and work environments, we must constantly supplement the basics of education with enhanced programs and projects that keep our kids competitive. We are so blessed to live in a community that very generously provides everything our kids need to be successful.”
Dr. Frank Looney, center, with sons (from left) Luke, Dan, Matt and Joel, gather annually at the Tinka Looney Memorial Golf Tournament to help raise money for classroom grants through the Denison Education Foundation. “It’s a fun and laid-back tournament…supported by generous and loyal friends who are committed to continuing our mom’s legacy of providing the best education possible for all Denison children,” said Matt Looney. “Our goal is to make this year’s tournament the most successful ever. We hope you’ll join us.”
Proceeds from The Denison Education Foundation’s annual Tinka Looney Golf Tournament, set for October 26th at the Denison Country Club, have helped fund more than $1.3 million in scholarships and classroom grants that enhance learning for all Denison ISD students.
Dr. Tommy Lankford, left, and John Bullard are among numerous Denison golfers who have played in almost every Tinka Looney Memorial Golf Tournament over the past two decades. “I always look forward to the Tinka tournament,” said Bullard. “It raises money for a great cause, and it honors the memory of a fine lady who worked tirelessly to help make our Denison schools among the best in north Texas.”
Jared Beckelman and Chris Sanders, longtime friends of the Looney family, happily return to Denison every year to play in the Tinka Looney Memorial Golf Tournament, set for October 26th at the Denison Country Club.
