HCC Golf Outing – Sept. 2018

Ron Booth Memorial Golf Outing

The 8th Annual Higganum Congregational Golf Outing was held at Black Birch Golf Club in Moodus, CT on September 15, 2018. A total of 84 Golfers enjoyed a great day of golfing which was followed by dinner at the home of Dan and Sue Gascoyne with it’s breathtaking views of the CT River. Over 125 diners enjoyed the steak and chicken dinner prepared by Chef Jack Murphy and crew as well as the many desserts made by the HCC church family. Trophies were awarded to the best golfers as well as to the “not so good”. Most everyone had a opportunity to go home with a raffle prize when their number was called and EVERYONE enjoyed an evening of family, friends and fun. This years’ outing was renamed the Ron Booth Memorial Golf Outing in memory of Ron Booth who, along with his wife Betsey, was instrumental in the creation of the HCC Golf Outing. For many years the Booths hosted the dinner party at their beautiful home overlooking the CT River. Betsey chaired the event from its beginnings and with great organizational skills, passion and energy created an event that was church and family oriented with a heavy emphasis on FUN. It grew to become HCC’s most successful fund raising event. Ron was so gracious as to allow the TENTS, TABLES and CHAIRS to be set up on his “well cared for” lawn.

In the summer of 2017 Ron was diagnosed with a tumor on the brain and after a courageous seven-month battle, we all lost a wonderful and caring friend and his ever present smile. The 2018 Golf Committee wanted this Tournament to be special for the family and friends of Ron. The committee decided to honor Ron by donating a portion of the proceeds of the tournament to a charity of which Ron would approve. The Booth Family chose The First Tee of Connecticut, a youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Through programs at 20 outdoor locations, in 162 schools and with several local youth agencies, the lives of over 74,000 young people from all walks of life are shaped by reinforcing values like integrity, respect and perseverance through the game of golf. It’s their goal to develop good golfers and better people.

The Higganum Congregational Church and the 2018 Golf Committee would like to thank all of our sponsors, donors, players and volunteers for making the Ron Booth Memorial Tournament the best ever! We would also like to thank Ron and Betsey Booth for their vision, leadership and dedication in bringing this event to life.