Chamber Golf Classic: How you can help

By George Althoff
Executive Director

In just over two months, we’ll host our annual Chamber Golf Classic at Baraboo Country Club. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and it is successful because of the generosity and participation of many of our members. Members can help in several ways:

• Sponsorships: We already have the presenting sponsor of the event – Baraboo State Bank. Top-level sponsorships for the carts, buffet and beverages are still available at $2,250, which includes golf and dinner for four and a host of other benefits. Businesses also can sign up as a Gold Hole sponsor for $750, which includes golf and dinner and four, or as a Silver Hole sponsor for $250.
• Silent auction and raffle prize donations: Each year, we have a silent auction that includes 10-12 items valued at $150 or more. The prizes range from golf foursomes at area courses to a couple of tons of gravel to pieces of furniture. In addition, golfers can buy raffle tickets for a chance to win any of the dozens of prizes valued at $25 or more. If you’re interested in donating an item for the silent auction or raffle drawing, please contact me at director@baraboochamber.com or 608-356-8333.
• Swag bag items: Each golfer will receive a swag bag, compliments of Baraboo State Bank. Of course, now we need “swag” to fill the bags! This is a great way to promote your business to the 144 golfers who will be participating. Small items such as golf tees, golf balls, salted snacks, chip clips, coupons, etc., would be appropriate. If you’d like to participate, please let me know.
• Volunteers: As with all of our events, volunteers are a critical part of the equation. We’ll need volunteers beginning as early as 9 a.m. and lasting throughout the day. If you’re interested in assisting, please contact Michele Feld or Kristi Feld at 608-356-8333.
• Participate: Registration is now open and if you’re interested in playing, I encourage you to register soon because the field fills up fast. The cost is $125 for non-members of the Baraboo Country Club and $100 for members. Dinner-only tickets also are available for $40.
  The event is Tuesday, June 18, with a shotgun start at 11 a.m., followed by dinner at Fore Seasons Restaurant. I hope to see you there!

Let’s support each other during Hwy. 33 project
Orange barrels. Street barricades. Detour signs. Welcome to the long-awaited reconstruction of Highway 33 through Baraboo and West Baraboo. Needless to say, this project is having an adverse impact on many of our businesses, especially those located along Hwy. 33. I encourage all of our members to go out of their way (literally and figuratively) to patronize those businesses that are being impacted. It may take a little more time, but it will be worth the effort.
The Chamber is trying to do its part to help businesses during this project. In conjunction with Downtown Baraboo Inc., we have begun a radio campaign on select Magnum Media radio stations to promote that, despite the upheaval, “Baraboo is Open for Business.” The Chamber also is airing similar messages on 99.7 MAX FM.