For more than 20 years the Cougar Foundation Golf Tournament has played a vital role in supporting Sahuaro High School. As the foundation’s only annual fundraiser, it has become a beloved tradition that brings together past alumni, staff, and local community members for a great cause and a great time.
The tournament was created to raise money for things that the regular school budget doesn’t cover like classroom supplies, sports equipment, scholarships, and field trips. Steve Botkin, Coordinator of Athletics and Head Coach, says, “I think a lot of the board members liked to golf, and golf fundraising usually makes good money. It just carried on through the years.”
The event is held each spring at the Forty Niner Country Club, a course chosen for its affordable rates and close location to the school. The club has long supported Sahuaro High School and continues to welcome its tournaments year after year. The day is filled with fun community bonding and giving back. Local business owners, teachers, alumni, and even a famous former student professional golfer Cindy Rarick (class of 1976) attend and participate. Rarick, who serves as the event spokesperson, often kicks off the day by giving a few golf tips to participants.
Each year the tournament brings in about $10,000-$20,000. All the proceeds go straight back into Sahuaro to help students and staff pay for senior scholarships, and teachers and coaches can apply for grants to improve their classrooms or fund activities. Any teacher, coach, or staff member here at Sahuaro who requests funds is usually granted the funds as long as we have the money in the Cougar Foundation. The board meets and will deny or approve, the funding. Botkin says, “Everyone is affected, especially the students.”
The tournament is known for its fun challenges. One of the most popular is a hole where players can pay $5 to shoot a golf ball out of a cannon instead of swinging a club. There are also contests like “closest to the pin” and raffles with prizes like golf clubs, restaurant vouchers, and event tickets.
Planning the tournament takes a lot of hard work. The Cougar Foundation board and special golf committee hold regular meetings to organize everything. They find players, gather prize donations, and manage event logistics. “The more money we raise, the more we can spend on students, and that’s the whole idea,” Botkin said.
With strong community support and hopes for an even bigger turnout, the Cougar Foundation is already looking ahead to make next year’s tournament the most successful one yet.
