NAWILIWILI — Hokuala, A Timbers Resort, announced the inaugural Operation Rising Star golf tournament that will play Dec. 18 at the Hokuala Jack Nicklalus Signature Ocean Course.
Proceeds from this first-ever tournament will go directly to Folds of Honor scholarship recipients in Hawai‘i.
Hokuala announced its partnership with Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide life-changing scholarships for the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military and first responders.
The announcement of the tournament from Hokuala states the Odum Corporation, a family-owned distributor of beverages throughout Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Hawai‘i, has committed to a $50,000 title sponsorship for the Folds of Honor golf tournament that will have a full field of 31 teams.
“We are humbled and honored to partner with Folds of Honor to ensure that those who protect our freedoms and our families are never forgotten,” said Chris Burden, the chief development officer of Timbers Resort.
“We are also excited to make this an annual tournament at The Ocean Course so we can help provide new scholarships every year in Hawai‘i for the Folds of Honor mission.”
Sponsorship opportunities at various levels are available, and businesses are encouraged to participate by checking https://operationrisingstar.golfgenius.com, or calling Thomas (Tom) Freestone, director of the Ocean Course at Hokuala at 808-651-8175.
The entry fee for a foursome is $1,000, and includes golf, tee gift, dinner and a closing reception. The goal of this tournament is to provide $5,000 scholarships to at least 27 requests that have been received throughout the state.
Foursome and individual registration can be done by completing the online registration at https://operationrisingstar.golfgenius.com, or calling Freestone.
A reception to honor the Folds of Honor sponsors and participants will be held at Hualani’s restaurant, Timbers Kaua‘i, with food, prizes from golf and local vendors, and live entertainment. There will also be a silent auction with item details listed on the entry website. The entry deadline is Dec. 7,
“I was honored to meet The Folds of Honor founder and CEO, Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, a retired F16 fighter pilot and PGA member who personally experienced the need to help the families of fellow fallen or disabled service members,” Freestone said. “The Ocean Course, Hokuala and Timbers Resort Kaua‘i are proud to support the Folds of Honor mission because our heroes helped us enjoy the freedoms and safety we have today.”
Rooney, who is expected to join the Folds of Honor golf tournament and reception on Dec. 18, will be celebrating his 50th birthday and wedding anniversary.
Folds of Honor golf tournaments have been a top fundraiser for the Aloha Section PGA, with nearly $80,000 being raised in 2021 from local PGA golf professionals and facilities across Hawai‘i.
•••
Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
