High schoolers play 1,000+ holes to help 2 charities

Golf is about not rolling up big numbers, but that’s just what 14 Mahoning Valley teens did this week to raise funds for two vital Youngstown services. The Phantom Fireworks Greatest Day of Golf was a sprint for as many golf holes as the teens could play, with each hole raising money based on pledges they gathered. They played 1,000 holes Monday at Mill Creek Par 3 Course with funds going to the Boys and Girls Club of Youngstown and Mill Creek MetroParks Foundation. With the holes completed, the players will now begin collecting their pledges. You can pledge to their play by clicking the BGCY donate link here. “We’re having fun and we’re raising money for kids less-fortunate than us,’ said Nathan Kelly, East Liverpool High School. “We’re lucky for what we have and that we can do this for other kids.” Madison Murphy of Canfield said, “This was really run to play a game I love and give back to other people.” Luke Eyster of Beaver Local woke up excited for his first chance to raise funds. “This is my first time doing something like this and it just felt good to wake up and go to the Par 3 Course and play for a good cause.” In addition to Eyster, Murphy and Kelly, the charity team included Alyssa Rapp, Leah Benson, Jayne Bernard, Bryce and Connor Daggett, Dante and Rocco Turner, Anthony Cesario, Chaz Ekoniak, Chance Laczko and Ken Montgomery. Combined, the teens played more than 1,000 golf holes in 6 hours of play on the Par 3 course. Panera Bread and Belleria Pizza Struthers provided breakfast and lunch.