To help raise funds for some of the advanced features at Hall Fletcher Elementary’s new innovative playground, the West Asheville Masonic Lodge is organizing a mini-golf tournament. The second annual West Asheville Open will take place Saturday, June 14, at Tropical Gardens (956 Patton Ave.).
In addition to raising money, the goal of the daylong event is to strengthen relationships among neighbors and highlight the role West Asheville businesses play in the community – more than 20 of them have signed on as sponsors, says lodge Master Smith McAulay. All proceeds will be evenly divided between Hall Fletcher and N.C. Masonic Charities, which supports an orphanage and a retirement community.
McAulay says the Mason group is particularly interested in supporting the construction of domed outdoor classrooms at the elementary school. Plans call for them to utilize the timbrel vaulting methods developed by Raphael Guastivino, who designed (and is buried in) the Basilica of Saint Lawrence in downtown Asheville. Last year’s West Asheville Open raised $1,200 for the domes.
Participants this go-around can choose from an 11 a.m. young-family round, a 1 p.m. adult round and a 3 p.m. competitive round. Teams of one-to-five players will pay $10 per person to compete. Advance registration is encouraged, though drop-ins are welcome if space allows. Doc Brown’s BBQ food truck will be on hand to feed hungry golfers. Preregister at wavlmason.com
