By Molly Cerreta Smith

On Friday, January 10 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Peoria Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 4 Alarm Charity Golf Tournament in support of the city’s first responders at the Rees Jones-designed Quintero Golf Club. Located at 16752 West State Route 74 in Peoria, Quintero has been named among the “Best Public Courses” by both Golf Digest and GolfWeekly magazines.

Scot Andrews, President and CEO of the Peoria Chamber of Commerce gives a little background about the history of this event, saying, “Over the last few years, the Peoria Chamber has focused on a golf tournament primarily as the largest fundraiser for the Peoria Chamber alone. The event was not viewed by our members as a quality event. This year, the vision our new leadership was to create a one-of-kind event and at the same time, help and support our great City of Peoria and its business community. We in Peoria are fortunate by having the marque public golf course, Quintero Golf Club, in our own backyard.”

Quintero is the #1 public golf course in Arizona as well as among the top 100 in the country. “We wanted to create a first class experience this year and with the expansive practice area, we are able to offer an extensive activity center for pre-tournament fun and competition,” says Andrews. “Quintero resides in the shadow of Lake Pleasant, tucked back into the rolling hills of northern Peoria. Beautiful vistas and a challenging golf layout make this a must-play for all those who love the game of golf.”

Upon learning of the many needs within the Peoria Fire and Police Department, they wanted to share the proceeds with this group and execute a first-class Chamber event. This is the first year that the Peoria Chamber of Commerce is doing the “First Responder Cup” competition within the overall golf scramble. “We are close to sold out. We are excited to see how the event will grow in the coming years,” says Andrews. “Plus, this is a great chance for our business community to meet and participate in a great networking event with our Police and Fire responders. First Responders who win get to keep the acclaimed trophy for a year!”

A few months ago, the CEO and the City of Peoria conducted a benchmarking session with the City and Chamber officials from Olathe, Missouri. During these idea exchanges, Andrews was touched by the City of Peoria and Police presentations relative to the effects of traumatic service experiences both these departments endure every day serving our great city and the types for support provided to help First Responders cope and manage the impact of these day to day experiences. This was the impedance to want to support their tireless work.

The tournament is marketed to the Chamber’s membership, non-member valley businesses and our city and state officials. The Chamber reached out to the community of first responders all over the valley and many of the members have sponsored first responders to play in the tournament. Andrews adds, “We have strong support from our city leaders and this year, Mayor Cathy Carlat and Councilmembers Michael Finn and Bill Patena will be participating along with the leadership from Peoria PD and Fire.”

New this year is the addition of a very interactive element to the tournament — creating an activity center before the scramble featuring many fun “experiences” for golfers including the Tin Cup Longest Drive with a 7 Iron, The Phil Mickelson Wall Flop, Glass Pane Break, Putting Contest, and more.

Andrews adds, “Quintero’s state of the art technology will allow us to quickly tabulate winners and we will also have live music provided by Cold Soup and presentations by Peoria Police Chief Art Miller and Police Fire Chief Bobby Ruiz and remarks from myself and other city officials.”

Registration and breakfast takes place from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., followed by Activity Center and Competitions. The Shotgun Start is at 10:00 a.m., and the tournament runs until 3:00 p.m. after which the awards afterparty beings. While at press time, the tournament was close to sold out, there were still few open spots as well as opportunities for sponsorship.

For more information, visit www.peoriachamber.com