Ramona residents came out to support the ADMA Youth Alliance at its miniature golf fundraiser held March 7 at Lavender and Olive.
Organized by ADMA founder Anthony Abbott, the event brought together families, businesses and volunteers for a day of creative miniature golf and community fun.
Through his nonprofit, Abbott plans to provide scholarships and sponsorships focused on helping kids stay active, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
An estimated 300 people attended his first fundraiser, which featured 11 custom miniature golf holes with unique themes designed and built by local businesses sponsors. Lavender and Olive and Copper Meadows also supported the event by providing the venue space.
“Every hole is different and kind of crazy in its own way,” Abbott said. “That’s the cool thing about it. We’ve got a variety from all the different businesses here.”
Golfers teed off throughout the day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a brief intermission before the evening session from 6 to 9 p.m., which included live music by Rockin Robin on the Side, dinner and more golfing under the stars.
Guests also had the opportunity to win a variety of raffle items donated by local businesses and free face painting for kids was provided by Linda Sinnachcharige.
“The event created a family-oriented atmosphere, with kids running between the courses while their parents and friends gathered to enjoy the day together,” Abbott said.
Hague Quality Water built their miniature golf course to resemble the quality of water they strive to provide their customers. Inside the inner droplet, goldfish were added for the kids to enjoy. (Stephanie Ogilvie)
Brett Huff of Hague Water created a course inspired by his company’s focus on clean water.
“We’re a water company, so the inspiration was a blue water droplet resembling the quality of water we provide our customers,” Huff said. “We wanted to do something unique, so we put fish in the middle of it.”
Huff said supporting the cause was an easy decision.
“Anthony has a passion and a vision for youth sports,” Huff said. “I have three little kids, and sports are critical in our lives. This is a great event for a great cause.”
Chelsea Haukom of Spray of Sunshine Spray Tans said she was excited to participate when Abbott first reached out.
Chelsea Haukom, owner of Spray of Sunshine Spray Tans in Ramona, stands with her miniature golf course that brought a beachy and summer feel to the event. (Stephanie Ogilvie)
“I think the cause is amazing,” Haukom said. “His motto is ‘No kids left on the bench,’ and I love that. I’d love to help any kid who can’t afford to play sports or needs equipment like a bat bag or cleats.”
Young golfers also enjoyed the courses. Seven-year-old Carter Casamassa said the event was “fun” to play, especially the bubble-blowing hole created by his mom, Rachel Casamassa, owner of Soapothecary, a local business that creates apothecary-style bath, body and aromatherapy products.
Carter Casamassa, 7, practices his miniature golf game on the course sponsored by his mom, Rachel Casamassa, owner of Soapothecary. (Stephanie Ogilvie)
Eight-year-old Canaan Huff takes a few swings on the ADMA course designed by owner and founder of ADMA Youth Alliance, Anthony Abbott. (Stephanie Ogilvie)
Ainsley Jenkins, 5, gets her faced painted by Linda Sinnachcharige, who donated her time and skills to this year’s ADMA Youth Alliance Mini Golf Fundraiser. (Stephanie Ogilvie)
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Carter Casamassa, 7, practices his miniature golf game on the course sponsored by his mom, Rachel Casamassa, owner of Soapothecary. (Stephanie Ogilvie)
The strong turnout made the event a success.
“We’re just really grateful for all our sponsors and people showing up,” Abbott said. “The community really rallied together to be here.”
“A lot of the businesses and participants are already talking about what kind of holes they want to build next year,” he added. “People are really inspired, and we’re already starting to plan the next tournament.”