MAYVILLE – Lake Chautauqua Memorial VFW Post 8647 sponsored its annual golf tournament to benefit the Mayville Food Pantry recently.

The tournament began 26 years ago when former post Commander Donald Skellie and his wife, Bonnie, organized

the first golf event. Skellie passed away several years ago but this event continues to be held each year.

Club Manager Jim Thomas and VFW Auxiliary member Doug Johnson were co-chairmen. Shannon Larson was a key volunteer and organizer of the event. The tournament attracted 112 golfers to Chautauqua Institution’s Lake Course. A check for $6,000 was presented to the Mayville Food Pantry.

Tournament Winners were:

Men’s team score – 59 (Scott Dewey, Joe Rosario, Shawn Houston, Cory Heyl);

Mixed team score – 60 (Mike Harle, Julie Harle, Kevin Maytum, Lori Maytum).

Closest to the Pin: Men – Al Briggs; Women – Trish Dudley.

Dice Game: High hand – Jesse Lescynski; Low hand – Joe Spas.

Longest Drive: Men – Leighton Swanson; Women – Ann Lynn.

Golden Golf Ball Game: First place – Brock Windoft; Second place – Jan Derbish.

There were six men’s team skins won by: team Colburn, team Furhman, team Douglas, team Briggs and team Dewey won 2. Three Mixed skins were won by: team Harle and team Johnson won 2.

Hole and team sponsors, as well as giveaway donors, were; Lake Chautauqua Memorial Post # 8647 and its Auxiliary; Wm. L Travis Sons of American Legion Post 493; Anonymous; A Automotive; Bernie Anderson; Kelli

Briggs; John, Dee Dee and The Chautauqua Belles; Chautauqua Golf Club; Chautauqua Liquor Store; Congratulations Cody and Georgia; Jan Derbish; Devoldre & Lescynski; Evergreen Outfitters; The Global Conservancy; The Green Door Tavern, Ron Hoesel; Kathy Jordan; Chris Keefe Construction; Kessel Custom

Canvas; In Memory of Tom Gustafson; In Memory of T.J.; In Memory of Carrol Kinney; In Memory of Tim, Bill & Goldie; The Lakeview Hotel; Lawnmower Charity Poker Run; Shannon Larson; Jesse Lescynski; Jim and Linda Mawhir; Val Nelson; Mrs. Claus – Santa’s Watching!; Shear Style Salon; Sullivan Electrical Contracting and Tulip’s.

Event volunteers on and off the course and at the club: Rob Berhoudt, Dee Dee Bucci, Debbie Cenni, Gary Counts, Brian Couse, Luke Ecker, Steve & Ginger Edwards, John Fafalios, Doug Johnson, Kathy Jordan, Deb Kopkowski, Mike Larson, Shannon Larson, Wanda Latimer, Jesse Lescynski, Eileen Martin, Jim & Linda Mawhir, Josh Schupp, Alysha Swalm, Jen Tarr, Aurelia Taylor, Jim Thomas and Terri Wappat.

The Mayville Food Pantry is located at 99 S. Erie St., Mayville. It is affiliated with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Those needing assistance who reside in the Chautauqua Lake Central School District are eligible to receive benefits.

There are an increasing number of families using the services offered by the Mayville Food Pantry.

Federal poverty guidelines are used to determine eligibility. Nearly 500 households were provided with food this year; many of which incorporate several generations. Most who seek help from the food pantry are working one, two, or three jobs, but cannot stretch their food budget to last through the end of the month due to rising grocery, utility, and gasoline costs.

Club Manager Jim Thomas secured vendor donations, made behind the scenes arrangements and helped in many other ways. Plans are already being made to host another golf tournament in 2026.