Tee up for a fundraiser for the Meridian Canine Rescue at Idaho golf course

Meridian Canine Rescue, an Idaho no-kill dog shelter, organized its inaugural golf fundraiser last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

It being an outdoor event — allowing plenty of space for social distancing — played in its favor for not becoming one of many on the 2020 cancellation/postponement list.

As we venture into the latter half of 2021, COVID-19 cases are unfortunately on the rise, and the pandemic is still very much here. But outdoor activities still can be appealing.

And what a perfect way to spend your outdoor day — playing golf and helping dogs!

The second Meridian Canine Rescue Charity Golf Tournament is set for Friday, Oct. 8, at River Birch Golf Course, 3740 N. Pollard Lane, Star. Registration starts at 8 a.m., with a shotgun start at 9 a.m.

Golfers will have the opportunity to compete for various prizes: putting, longest drive, closest to the pin, and a hole-in-one hole for at least a $10,000 prize.

All proceeds will benefit Meridian Canine Rescue and its mission “to save dogs’ lives through storytelling and education,” according to a news release.

“In our first tournament last year, we raised $12,000, with every hole being sponsored and 122 golfers, which was so much more than we expected,” shared Cassie Jordan, tournament direction and volunteer. “We even had golfers come as far as Portland, Oregon, to support us.”

Cost is $125 per player or $500 per foursome, and includes lunch, cart and one drink ticket. Deadline to register is Friday, Oct. 1.

The fundraiser is also made possible by the support of Golfing 4 Charity Corp, which helps to organize golf tournaments for nonprofits.

For more information or to register, go to meridianrescue.org/events/golf-tournament.