Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Western Washington is a construction association that provides training, safety programs, and other resources to its 360 members. Last year, in their annual “Golf Extravaganza” company golf tournament, they raised more than $5,000 for the WA Golf Youth on Course program.
And they’re going to do it again this summer.
Each year, the golf committee at ABC makes a recommendation as to which charity the tournament will be raising funds. Last year, they selected the WA Golf Youth on Course program as the beneficiary, and they delivered – after the event, which was held at Echo Falls Golf Club in Snohomish, they gave a check in the amount of $5,650 to the WA Golf office.
The WA Golf Youth on Course program gives golfers age 6-18 access to play $5 rounds of golf at more than 55 participating courses in Washington and Northern Idaho, and more than 1,500 courses throughout the U.S.
Wendy Novak, originally from Alaska, started working at ABC 25 years ago, staffing the front desk as a receptionist. Nine years ago, she became the chapter’s president and CEO.
“The Youth on Course program was suggested to us by our committee, and we immediately thought it was a perfect fit,” Novak said. “Making golf accessible for kids, and helping them have an opportunity to play, really fit what we believe in.”
The philosophy of ABC is based on the Merit Shop, which values open and fair competition within a free market economy, rewarding those who proceed with professionalism, quality, and integrity. There are two ABC chapters in Washington, the other being based in Spokane; and there are 67 chapters nationwide. There are 360 members in the Western Washington chapter.
“We wish to promote golf, especially youth golf,” said Vaughan Seifert, the vice president of sales and marketing for efinitytech, which helps ABC promote their events. “The construction industry has an exceptionally high percentage of golfers. Our annual golf tournament is by far the most successful and highest attended event of the year, and has been for over 20 years. Golf is a healthy, outdoor activity that gets kids’ attention away from their smartphones or screens. WA Golf Youth on Course is the logical choice for us to support.”
The association’s infectious thirst for doing good work is carried over into their outside events.
“I love what I do,” Novak says simply. “And our members love to golf. This annual tournament really is the most popular event we do during the year.”
This year’s “Golf Extravaganza” will be held July 18 at The Home Course in DuPont, Wash. It was held there in 2022 as well.
Novak says they may eventually conduct two golf tournaments each year. “That’s how popular the event is.”
And that popularity shows. The tournament’s promotional flyer is full of sponsorship opportunities, and the marketing arm efinitytech manages the promotional details.
“It’s just a fun event,” Novak said. “And the fact that we can raise some money for the young players in the area is a real bonus for us. Our members work hard all year, and they have a real sense of pride in their jobs. Everything they do, even when at play, is done to the fullest. They work, and play, with purpose.”
Although Novak has always been involved in the administration of the tournament, last year she played in it for the first time. “Yes, I got fitted for clubs, and I took lessons,” she says with a laugh. “I figured it was time I got out on the course as well.”
Visit abcwestwa.org or call 425-646-8000 for more information.
About Associated Builders and Contractors of Western Washington
ABC of Western Washington is the premier construction association supporting freedom of economic opportunity through political influence, financial growth, and effective personal and professional growth, led by an involved membership. The core purpose of ABC is to advance and defend the principles of the merit shop in the construction industry and to provide members and their employees with an opportunity to succeed. ABC values economic freedom within a free market economy, with open and fair competition and diverse participants constantly striving to achieve the highest levels of personal and company performance.