An estimated $40,000 worth of toys and money was raised for the 10th annual Golf Fore Kids fundraiser Thursday to provide to less fortunate families for Christmas.

GFK combines the excitement of golf with the joy of giving. It was started in 2005 with just one golf course, a few volunteers and 144 golfers brought toys as their green fee.

This year’s event featured four golf courses, several volunteers and a GFK record of 556 golfers brought toys as donations.

Mindee West, of Falcon Ridge Golf Course, said this year’s event had the best turnout and hopes it will progress as the event continues.

“It’s absolutely awesome that so many people have helped out with this event,” she said. “Everyone was selfless and it was a spectacular event that brought the community together.”

West also said over the life of the fundraiser about $400,000 worth of toys and money have been raised.

Many things make GFK unique such as the golf courses, luncheon facility, food, tee gifts, raffle prizes and a tournament between the golfers who play 18 holes of golf on one of four Mesquite golf courses.

Golfers could play at Falcon Ridge, Palms, Canyons, or Conestoga Golf Course. In order to play, the golfers had to donate either $50 or a toy that’s at least $50. Most golfers donated a toy or bicycle.

“We can’t thank the golf courses enough,” said Mesquite resident, Dennis Winter. “The golfers could really just go out and play golf as much as they want, but the bottom line is that this is for the kids, and I’m a firm believer in doing anything to help the children.”

“The golf courses did a great job with being able to host this many golfers,” said Winter’s golfing partner, Kim Goo. “The event is really outstanding and it’s a community effort, and we’re grateful.”

With help from the Salvation Army Tree program, Mesquite Fire and Police departments and many community volunteers, all the toys and money donated will be distributed to less fortunate families in Mesquite, Beaver Dam and Moapa Valley.

Roberta Franco, director of the Mesquite Salvation Army, said this was her sixth year of being part of GFK and it gets better and better.

“It’s very humbling to know that many people pitch in to help kids for Christmas,” she said. “It’s absolutely wonderful.”

After the rounds of golf, the golfers enjoyed a lunch at the CasaBlanca Events Tent where all the toys were piled up, and bikes were lined up in rows, for all to see.

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