Think barbecued bologna when you think Hole in One Charity Festival at St. Louis Catholic Church. The annual St. Louis fundraiser began June 15th, Father’s Day, and ended on June 21st, the first day of summer. The St. Louis Men’s Club Culinary Institute prepares the food, which includes classic bologna sandwiches, barbecue, and pizza.
But also think about making a hole in one with your trusty golf club and vying for the chance to make a cool million dollars.
As Wes Kraker, who’s been involved with Hole in One for more than 25 years, explains: “We transform the campus at St. Louis Church into a 41-tee-box range. And we give out cash and prizes for good golfers for getting holes in one or close to the hole. Certain qualifiers shoot out for a car from City Auto. And we accumulate points for performers all week. And those top 10 performers shoot out for a million dollars on Saturday.”
To date, nobody has won that million dollars.
This year’s event drew 15,000 to 20,000 people, Kraker says. “It was a record-breaking year for donations ahead of the event. We had nearly $150,000 in corporate and family donations before the event.” Proceeds go to St. Louis’ sports, scouting, and youth ministry programs.