ARLINGTON — The Gleneagle Golf Course once again hosted the Arlington-Smokey Point Chamber of Commerce’s annual golf tournament June 11, as 72 golfers descended upon the links to enjoy the window of good weather and support their chamber.

Chamber Executive Board President Julie Morse explained that the proceeds from such events not only go toward keeping the Chamber offices running and get reinvested in the Chamber membership, but they also offset the expenses of events that the Chamber supports for the community, including the upcoming Fourth of July Festival and fireworks. She estimated that the Chamber’s monthly budget is $8,000, and that this year’s golf tournament raised proceeds of close to $11,000. She further estimated that half of the Chamber’s funds come from events such as the golf tournament, while the other half comes directly from the Chamber’s members themselves.

“It’s absolutely true that these are challenging times,” Morse said. “The impact of the economy on our community has definitely affected our fundraising. A lot of people just don’t have the money anymore. That being said, fundraisers like the golf tournament are ways for us to give back to the community, by supporting events like the Fourth of July Festival that everyone can enjoy.”

The pace of play was casual, with many of the golfers taking the time to get their blood pressure checked by Cascade Valley Hospital staff, at a table near the first hole. Morse and the players had been worried about the week’s persistent rains, whose brief absence left the golf course with clear skies and damp grounds during the tournament, but the most serious concerns of the day were reserved for the cause being supported by the tourney.

“I love the camaraderie,” said Dorothy Duffy, who partnered with B.J. Tubbs in a golf cart decorated with pink balloons and topped with an oversized gold crown.

“We have to play by water rules and keep our carts on the path, so it’s a challenge,” laughed Tarin O’Brien, a 15-year participant in the golf tournament, as she and teammate Cindy Corcoran navigated the path in a tropical-themed golf cart. “It brings our members together to benefit the community, and it’s the nicest tourney in the county. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”