Sedona Police Department K-9 officer Catherine Beers wants you to tee off in the second annual SPD Golf Scramble to raise funds for Sedona and Verde Valley athletes who participate in Special Olympics Arizona.
The golf tournament is Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Oakcreek Country Club in the Village of Oak Creek located at 690 Bell Rock Blvd. at 8:30 a.m.
“K-9 Sam will be there,” Beers wrote. “We’ll be set up on one of the holes where golfers can enter a free raffle and also take part in a water gun challenge with me. Sam always enjoys being part of community events, and people look forward to seeing him out on the course.”
Beers is looking for individual players at $150 for non-club or $75 for club members or teams of four to join in at $600 for non-members or $300 for members.
While the event has already surpassed by $1,000 its fundraising goal of $10,000 as of Tuesday, Sept. 16 — signups for golfers to join in the fun are open until Friday, Oct. 3, but participants are encouraged to sign up by Friday, Sept. 26.
“We can host up to 120 golfers, which is 30 foursomes … but last year most people registered at the very last minute,” Beers wrote.
Additionally, last year’s event did sell out and made up over 50% of the $54,508 that Beers raised for the Special Olympics in 2024 and was recognized as the number one officer fundraiser in Arizona during the Special Olympics Arizona state conference in August.
“Last year showed me just how much our community steps up when it comes to supporting [the] Special Olympics,” Beers wrote. “The raffle donations, sponsorships, and turnout were incredible. The biggest lesson was to encourage people to register earlier — we had to turn a team away because of late sign-ups. This year, I’m pushing earlier registration, but otherwise the format is the same.”
Immediately after the tournament, lunch is included with the cost of participation and features burgers, hot dogs and side dishes, followed by a live auction and raffle to help Special Olympics athletes cover their $500 annual participation cost.
Non-golfers can still get involved by sponsoring a hole, donating raffle prizes or contributing directly to Special Olympics Arizona.
“It’s more than just golf — it’s a chance to make a lasting difference,” Beers wrote. “The scramble combines great golf, a fun community atmosphere, and good food, all while raising money that directly benefits Special Olympics athletes. Last year’s scramble proved how meaningful this event is, and this year we’re aiming to top it. Plus, there’s nothing like playing Oak Creek Country Club in Sedona during the fall — it’s one of the most beautiful times of the year to be out on the course.”
Visit give.classy.org/SPDgolfscramble or contact Beers at cbeers@sedonaaz.gov for more information.
