The 4th Annual Barley PAR-TEE

The Who, What, Where, When and Why of this

Unique Fundraising Opportunity

Let me start by expressing my sincere gratitude to the Board of New View for helping us to make this event - the 4th Annual Barley PAR-TEE on August 3rd - as known as possible to the community.  My name is Justin Bogers - Marketing Manager of Link Associates.  Link serves over 1,200 community members with intellectual disabilities, and their families, to help provide our consumers with "opportunities to achieve their personal goals" and live the best lives possible.  We provide a full spectrum of services for our consumers to help them reach their goals - case management, vocational, leisure, residential, transportation, anything they would need to help them live at their best.  However, we cannot complete this mission without the support of our community.  Our fundraiser is aimed at helping us achieve this mission, while providing the contributors a fun, exciting, unique way to celebrate.  What is the Barley PAR-TEE?  In short:

The Barley PAR-TEE is a distinctive event combining the sampling of a large variety of beers from local micro breweries with an amusing twist on golf involving golf clubs and tennis balls.  Golfers will be allowed two clubs of their choice with “putters” being provided on each “green”.  This unique game of golf will be played on the pasturelands at Hawkeye Antique Acres (exit 117, I-80).  To compliment the day of beer tasting and this innovative golf experience, the Iowa Barbeque Society will be serving a tantalizing BBQ meal with live entertainment provided by local area bands.

When I give this description, the statement I typically hear is "Golf?  Well, I'm no good at golf."  Let me assure you - there are no Tiger's, Phil's, or Zach's at the pasture golf - not your regular run-of-the-mill golfing adventure.  Take a little bit of farm game, mix in tennis balls, a few golf clubs, themed holes, fairways, and unique putting situations, and you have pasture golf.  Last year's theme was Schools of Iowa.  Picture this: Step up to your tee box at the U of I hole and you are challenged by a board with red Solo cups set up for a game of beer pong.  In order to advance your ball to a certain spot, you must put your ball into one of the cups - pong-style.  At another hole (AIB), you get to the green and see a... file cabinet turned sideways with an open drawer?  How will you hit the ball in?  Well, by using a giant number two pencil, of course!  Slingshots, singing competitions, javelin throws, hog calls, tire irons, wood ponies, and many other creative designs have kept the "golfers" engaged and having a great time - without having to be avid golfers.  We are actively seeking creative four-somes for this year's theme - Reality TV!  Just think of it... Survivor, Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader, Cupcake Wars... Honey Boo Boo.  Prizes will be given for your creativity - like best team spirit and other awards!

 How about the beer?  Samples will be ready for your taste buds on August 3rd at 2pm from Confluence, Exile, 515, Twisted Vine, and many other local, incredible brewers - ready to show the great options this area has to offer.  Our goal is to spotlight these talented brewers because they are choosing to be a part of our event.  Please, if you happen to be out visiting one of these fine establishments, thank them for being a part of the Barley PAR-TEE on August 3rd, and let them know that you will be there to support them and Link's mission.  Not a drinker, but still want to be involved in the event?  Are you going to be the DD?  We have a deal for you and will have you covered as well!

What if you get hungry during the event? Is there food?  We've got you covered.  We will have a tantalizing BBQ pulled pork meal, courtesy of the Iowa Barbeque Society, with baked beans, chips and a drink.

A great addition to the change in venue (formerly at Living History Farms), and increase in time (now 2pm-9pm), is that we will have multiple bands performing throughout the event.  We are currently working on some staples of the local scene, and are proud to share our first confirmation of Randy Burk and the Prisoners!  They will be our second band on stage that night.  As soon as we have a chance to confirm with the two other bands, I will let everyone know.  Keep an eye on the Facebook pages for additional, up-to-the-minute information regarding the BPT.  BPT and RPB - absolutely!

Help create a better life for members of our community by contributing in some way during the Barley PAR-TEE fundraiser.  We are still actively seeking business sponsors (from $250 up), four-somes, individual golfers, donations, and ala-carte style participants.  All proceeds go to the Link Associates Foundation to help us in our mission.  I look forward to seeing you on August 3rd, starting at 2pm, at Hawkeye Antique Acres, for the 4th Annual Barley PAR-TEE!  For more information, go to barleypartee.com, check out our Facebook event page and fan page, and find our YouTube video - with a sweet voice-over.