Golf tournament helps build Habitat house

    Twenty-one teams played in the fifth annual tournament Sept. 18 at the Springbrook Golf Course in Leeds.and raised more than $6,000 to benefit Androscoggin Habitat for Humanity.

    The funds will be used to help pay for the construction of a home at 133 Hampshire St. in Auburn – the 15th home built by Androscoggin Habitat since it was founded in 1989. It is being built by volunteers and the family chosen as homeowners, and will be sold to the family at cost, with zero interest. All mortgage payments are recycled to help build the next Androscoggin Habitat home.

    Deb Leonard, who chaired the tournament committee, said the amount raised was less than last year and there were fewer players, but the event was still a large success given the economic conditions that have affected nonprofit organizations this year. “We are very grateful to our sponsors, donors and players for their support in difficult economic times,” she said.

    The major tournament sponsors included Mechanics Savings Bank, Androscoggin Title Company, Auburn Savings Bank, Austin Associates PA, Community Credit Union, Design Architectural, Hardy, Wolf and Downing PA, Keith and Claire Allen, Lewiston Pawn Shop, Maine Family Credit Union, Marc’s Auto Body, Meinke’s Car Care, Pamco Shoe Machinery Company, Rent-it/Jim’s Auto Sales, and Riverside Millwork and Pre-hung Doors. Contributors included Gipper’s Sports Bar & Grille, Murray Oil Company, Optometric Associates and Platz Associates. Many local organizations donated money or merchandise for prizes.

    The tournament committee included Deb Leonard, chair; Kim Veilleux, co-chair; Russ and Carol Burbank, Dick Dubois, and Lance Vallee. Volunteers included Elaine DuBois, Jerry Junkins, Hugh and Grace Keene, Paul Leonard, Jean Raymond, and Allen Sterling.

    Among tournament winners were Tyler Smithgoll, men’s longest drive; Candice Sanborn, women’s longest drive; Ira Rosen, closest to the pin; Chipper Doughty, Ed Fadden, Dave Whitman and Mike Pomerleau, first gross score; Marc Beaulieu, Guy Dostee, Lance Vallee and Dan Dauteuil, first low score; and Chris Shea, putting contest (in a putt-off with Ed Fadden).