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Tee’d Off Against Violence

7th annual golf tourney fundraiser to support violent crime victims

By Kelby Wingert 3 min read

Most people probably haven't heard of the Homicide/Other Violent Crimes Program with the Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center, and that's a good thing because it means they haven't needed the program's services. However, the H/OVC Program is aiming to expand awareness in the local communities and help raise funds to support the program at the 7th annual Tee'd Off Against Violence golf tournament Aug. 5 at Lakeside Municipal Golf Course.

The H/OVC Program provides services and support to victims of homicide or other violent crimes, often with things like gas cards, restaurant gift cards and hotel lodging for victims of violent crimes who have to travel to attend court and trial proceedings for their case.

"It's kind of any expense that they incurred due to being a victim of a crime," said Program Director Marie Harvey. "We've paid utility bills sometimes, helped with school supplies, kind of whatever they're needing. And if we can't do it, we'll find the right resource."

Most of the program's funding comes from the federal government, Harvey said, but in recent years they've been facing extreme budget cuts, while also seeing a surge of clients in need across the 15 Iowa counties the program serves. The funds raised through the Tee'd Off Against Violence event go a long way in helping the program's clients, she said. So far this year, H/OVC has served 250 clients.

Last year, the event raised about $21,000. This year, Harvey said, they're hoping to hit at least $30,000.

The event will kick off on the night before with a dinner, concert and silent auction at the newly-remodeled Laramar Ballroom, 710 First Ave. N. The Friday night event is free and open to the public. There will also be a freewill donation dinner and live painting by local artist Isaiah Degen at the Laramar.

Doors open at 5 p.m. with music going from 7 to 10 p.m.

The Moose Lodge previously served as the venue for the Friday night kickoff, but the event has outgrown the space and needed more room, Harvey said.

A second silent auction, with different items than the Aug. 4 silent auction, will run most of the day in the clubhouse at Lakeside. The silent auction will be open to the public, not just golfers in the tournament, Harvey said.

An online auction with even more items will run from Aug. 3 to 8 at hovcgolf2023.givesmart.com.

Each of the three auctions will have different items. Some notable items include a tailgate Blackstone griddle donated by the Fort Dodge Police Association, a signed Green Bay Packers football, a patio set, many different gift baskets and more. The biggest item, however, might just be the seven day, six night vacation to the Dominican Republic, Jamaica or Costa Rica donated by Wolfey's Wapsi Outback in Quasqueton in eastern Iowa.

This golf tournament is about more than just raising money -- it's about raising awareness, Harvey said. Each golf cart will have a shield that has the story of someone lost to violence. On Friday night, there will be projectors that will cycle through testimonials from clients the program has served.

There are still spots open in the tournament and opportunities for sponsorships. To sign up, call 515-955-5677. More photos of the auction items can be found at https://www.facebook.com/TeedOffAgainstViolenceAnnualGolfTournament or https://www.facebook.com/HomicideOtherViolentCrimesProgram.

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