Golfers brave fog, cold for charity

Deepa Bharath

The mood on the golf course was warmer than the weather Saturday

morning.

Thick fog enveloped the greens and there was a stinging chill in

the air. But there was no shortage of smiles at the Costa Mesa Men’s

Club’s 32nd annual Fairview Developmental Center Golf Tournament.

Over three decades, the Men’s Club has vouched its support for the

Costa Mesa hospital, which is only one of five state-run hospitals

that houses developmentally disabled adults and children who need

constant care.

It’s not just the good cause that draws local golfers to this

tournament. Many come here for the camaraderie and the fun

atmosphere, said Ken Burch, who has been a teacher at the center for

31 years.

“Everyone’s relaxed out here,” he said. “You don’t see anyone

throwing their clubs.”

The fog made it hard Saturday morning for golfers to play, but

most people simply joked about it, Burch said.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s become a tradition here, over

the years.”

The money from the tournament is used for extra-curricular

activities at the center, Burch said.

“Without this money it would’ve been impossible for us to

participate in events such as the Special Olympics,” he said.

Several programs such as annual picnics, holiday parties that are

like the “icing on the cake” for residents, have become increasingly

difficult to support with heavy budget cuts, Burch said.

Bob Zedick, whose daughter is a resident at the center, said he

has been playing the tournament for about 15 years.

“The people over at the center are saints,” he said. “They take

very good care of their residents. And it’s nice to see everyone

giving something in return.”

Zedick said he also enjoys the “community atmosphere” at the

tournament.

“We got here at 7 this morning and the women from the center were

already here with coffee and doughnuts for us,” he said. “They make

it known that they really appreciate what’s being done.”

Last year, the Men’s Club donated $8,000 to the center. This year

will be similar, said Jill Dincecco, who is coordinating the

tournament along with her husband Steve Kapaun.

“Steve and I took a tour of the center and it really touched our

hearts,” she said. “They need our help.”

Kapaun said he was thankful that there was no rain on Saturday.

“That would’ve really hurt our donations,” he said. “But it turned

out OK although it’s foggy.”

The tournament continues today.