Avista Scramble golfs with the stars

It was a full flight at River's Bend on Saturday for the 10th Annual Avista Charity Scramble. The 18 teams played a four-man scramble and raised money for Western Montana Mental Health Center (WMMHC) of Sanders County.

The tournament set a new record for fundraising, with just more than $21,000 raised through entry fees, silent auction items, raffle tickets and sponsorships.

On the course, the men's team of John Beckman, Luke Beckman, Brian Eckoff and Josh Wylie rallied for first place with an astounding 15-under 57. In the co-ed category, Mike Baxter teamed up with daughters Megan and Ellie, and Jesse Mack. The Baxter-Mack team shot a 67 to win the division.

The women's division ended in a two-hole playoff. The team of Annie Wooden, Katrina Nygaard, Sarah Fairbank and Doree Thilmony faced off with Kim Sparks, Lana Nolen, Liz Morkert and Chris Gross after each ended regular tournament play with an even 72. The latter team won in sudden death after two holes.

Abby Harnett, Executive Director of WMMHC of Sanders County, said the money raised will help their programs immensely.

"With all of our state cuts this past year, we had to cut programs and didn't have any money to set aside for direct client service," Harnett said. "This will all go to direct client needs." For example, WMMHC will help with gas vouchers or utility bills for clients and will purchase supplies for their school-based program.

"I feel absolutely honored that we were chosen" by Avista, Harnett said. "When we started, I had no idea how well it would turn out. It was a ton of work, but Avista was amazing to work with. Their generosity, and the generosity of the community, is just outstanding. There are hardly even words to describe it."

Harnett said that people from other WMMHC offices played in the tournament and also helped at the event, and she said they were amazed that a rural place like Sanders County could raise over $21,000.

"I'm so proud of my staff, too," she said. "They all put in so much work to pull all this off. And I'm proud of them for the dedication and commitment to the work they do." She also commended her sister, Maggie McGillis, who has been volunteering since March to help coordinate the event. "She was instrumental in putting all this together. I couldn't have done it without her."

WMMHC had three big-ticket raffle items. Liz Morkert won a pallet of patio rock, Jeneese Baxter won a seven-night stay at Pend Oreille Shores Resort in Hope, Idaho, and Diane Rummel won a set of KwaTaqNuk Resort dinner cruises on Flathead Lake.

Also part of the event was a 50/50 drawing, which Mack won.