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Raising money for first-time homebuyer grants, the Fifth Annual Hula Golf Tournament was held on Aug. 22 at Ridgemark Golf Club & Resort.
Sponsored by the San Benito Association of Realtors, the tournament drew 104 golfers, according to Intero Real Estate agent Carly Jo Brigantino.
“Five years ago,” Brigantino said, “we all got together and put on our first tournament. We asked ourselves, ‘How can we turn the golf tournament into a fundraiser?’”
The idea for the tournament came in response to Realtors hearing their clients ask if first-time homebuyer assistance was available.
“We always said no,” Brigantino said, “ so I thought it would be a great idea to have this happen.”
This year’s tournament raised more than $30,000, which is used to create grants of up to $1,500 toward closing costs for qualified first-time homeowners.
Previously, Brigantino said, money for similar grants was available from the state of California, but that program ended.
“I thought, well, let’s keep this alive,” she said, “and the golf tournament was the perfect opportunity. We jumped on it and it’s been really successful. We’re able to keep filling up our grant money fund so it doesn’t run dry.”
Hollister resident Bryce Morgan said he had been invited to the tournament by Brigantino, with whom he had worked in the past. He described the event as “a beautiful time at a beautiful course.“
“Hole 5 is my favorite fire down the hill,” Morgan said of the golf course. “I have had lots of great open shots.”
Morgan said his favorite part of the tourney is the dinner, as he gets the chance to talk to the other golfers, check out the scores, and participate in a raffle.
“I think the event benefits the community,” he said. “There are a lot of different businesses out here, and I think it puts their name on the map. It’s a good chance for them to come here and show what they have to offer.”
Hollister resident Cody Skow said he heard about the fundraiser from his friend Jeff Lindsay and attended with him, his brother Jared Skow, and friend Matt Waterman.
“I love playing golf,” Skow said, “and playing with friends is cool. Just associating with friends, having a good time and hanging out.”
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