Golfing for Good: 180 Degrees Youth Shelter Hosts Inaugural Charity Tournament September 15th

(KNSI) – The 180 Degrees Youth Homeless Shelter in St. Cloud is putting a new spin on fundraising with its inaugural golf tournament, set to tee off September 15th at Oak Hill Golf Course in Rice.

The shelter is the area’s only facility serving kids between 12 and 19 years old.

Community Engagement Director Nancy Dyson explained how their mission is unique. “The St. Cloud youth shelter is really the only game in town. And by town, I mean about 19 counties. So, this is one of the only places that’s an emergency youth shelter that can take in kids that are really struggling in our area and beyond.”

The advisory board was formed to complement the shelter’s Twin Cities-based board of directors, providing more nimble, community-focused support for fundraising and outreach efforts. The metro-based board also oversees a shelter in Rochester.

Local advisory board member Jeff Kuberka says he’s always had a passion for working with teenagers and helping the homeless. He stepped up to lead the tournament organization after being introduced to the group. “I got invited last year to the fundraising breakfast for 180 Degrees. That was the first time I heard about this place, and I was immediately drawn to it and said, ‘Yeah, this is where I want to spend some time and put effort in.'”

The four-person scramble format tournament is the first major fundraising event organized by the shelter’s newly formed advisory board, which came together in January to help raise awareness and funds.

The tournament costs $90 per player, which includes a meal and various add-on opportunities like mulligans for $20-25, a 50-50 raffle, and even a car available for anyone lucky enough to score a hole-in-one. A golf professional will be on hand offering lessons for those willing to pay for the extra help.

Registration is preferred by Labor Day, though organizers say they’re still accepting players and sponsors through their website.

The shelter recently completed facility upgrades and has ambitious plans to develop its 3.5-acre property, including the construction of an education building that would house the shelter’s school and provide expanded community programming space.

To sign up for the event or for more information, click here.

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