It’s easy to hear the smile over the phone in Deneece Huftalin’s voice as she reminisces about past Gail Miller Utah Leadership Cup tournaments. After all, she’s recalling days when her main job description is to ride around in a golf cart on a picturesque course with the Gail Miller, talk with ambitious college students and pose with donors eager to have their photos taken with her and Gail.
Beats a hard day at the office.
It’s all in an effort to raise scholarship money for students at Salt Lake Community College, where Dr. Huftalin is president and sometimes chief fundraiser, like on that day each year at Hidden Valley Country Club in Sandy. “Gail and I used to drive around to all of the holes and watch people tee off, thanking them for helping,” Deneece says. “They go on about the students and the college and thank us for letting them come out and be a part of a fun day.”
Planning is currently underway for a Sept. 14 tournament, one that has become a much-anticipated, increasingly popular and highly acclaimed golf event in the Salt Lake Valley. This year, of course, is teeing up to look and feel a bit different because of the global pandemic. The tournament will follow all state and federal requirements in place at the time to keep participants safe and comfortable at all times. As of right now, though, the tournament is still on.
“Our students need assistance now more than ever in terms of financial aid,” Deneece says. “Any effort we can make to help raise funds is vital, whether it’s this tournament or by donating to the ongoing Students in Crisis fund. Also, when we can do things safely, to come together in a safe way, a certain esprit de corps or energy comes with working toward a common goal, and I think that’s important as a community.”
Deneece says the student leaders and athletes, stationed at each hole to talk with donors, feel honored for being showcased and acknowledged for their achievements by being asked to be part of the tournament. Some of them, she adds, use the opportunity to network with influencers in the community and a few have even landed jobs after just hanging out on the golf course for a day. “Business leaders who didn’t know much about the college come and play golf, and by the end of the day know a lot more,” Deneece adds. “It’s really a great way to amplify the impact the college has on the community at large.”
While competition among golfers can be palpable, the fun to be had on this special day each year cannot be underestimated. The Utah Jazz Bear usually shows up and mayhem ensues with antics not otherwise tolerated in such a staid, pristine setting. Jazz Dancers usually give away cool free stuff. Prizes await those demonstrating superior golf prowess. It’s a chance to rub elbows with local celebrities like Utah Jazz commentators Ron Boone and Craig Bolerjack and ABC4 sports reporter Wesley Ruff. To be certain, the biggest and most beloved celebrity on the course that day has been Gail Miller.
“The fact that she lets us use her name as the signature title of the tournament just speaks volumes for the college,” Deneece says. Gail Miller is a SLCC Trustee Emeritus, having served two terms on the Board of Trustees as well as having been vice chair and chair of the Board. “When she attaches her name to anything, it lends credibility to it. She is so well regarded in the community. She has such high integrity. She puts her money where her mouth is and strengthens the things she cares about. Her impact on the tournament is immeasurable. She draws people to the tournament. Her presence, style and grace make it a better day for all of those involved.”
And there are a lot of people involved, both playing in and putting on the tournament. “The word of mouth is out that it is well run,” says Deneece. “A lot of golfers who do other tournaments always say to me, ‘This is one of the best run tournaments.’” It’s why year after year, for example, the Ensign family – Dale, his son Clint and Clint’s sons – turn up to golf and generously donate to the college. Seeing three generations of Ensigns together playing golf, Deneece notes, is also one of many highlights for her.
Comments
Post a Comment