GREENFIELD – Thirty-three teams of four teed off at the Country Club of Greenfield on Monday as part of the Greenfield Kiwanis Club’s annual golf tournament to raise money for Warm the Children.

The club took over organizing the golf tournament from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office five years ago following the retirement of Norma Lovett, the sheriff’s office’s former longtime administrative assistant who had spearheaded the event for 11 years.

“So they were looking to get out,” Greenfield Kiwanis Club member Phil Corrinet said. “Through COVID, we used to do a TV/radio auction and that stopped. So we were looking for a fundraiser for ourselves, and so we took over.”

At least 100 businesses donate items for a raffle, and there was also a silent auction with at least 40 items.

“Everybody loves our tournament,” Corrinet said.

Warm the Children, which began in 1993, is the Greenfield Recorder’s charity that helps provide warm clothing for families in need across Franklin County and the North Quabbin area. The tournament, held the day after Mother’s Day, generated $5,500 last year, the most the club has raised. It averages about 35 foursomes.

“That’s where we pretty much want it,” Corrinet said. “You can only have 36, maximum.”

In 2024, the drive provided new coats and clothes to about 840 children, raising at least $50,000 to cover expenses.

Wanda Pyfrom, going on her second year as a Kiwanis Club member following a co-worker’s encouragement, said Monday’s beautiful weather only helped the tournament’s success.

“I think it’s a good turnout today,” she said. “It’s nice to see the same people every year.”

Donations are deposited into an account overseen by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. Warm the Children recipients are suggested by various social service agencies and community organizations. Donations are tax-deductible and can be sent to Greenfield Recorder, Warm the Children Fund, P.O. Box 1367, 14 Hope St., Greenfield, MA 01301.

Other fundraising efforts the Greenfield Kiwanis Club is involved with include donations to the Greenfield High School Key Club and Camp Kee-wanee.

“Our biggest issue is that people don’t really know who the Kiwanis is,” Corrinet said about the international service club. “Not enough people understand it. And the other problem is it’s very hard to get people to join anything today. We’re always looking for new members, especially younger people.

“So my message to the community would be that if you believe in community service and you believe in helping kids out, this is the perfect organization,” he continued.

The team of Tim Farrell, Rob Haigh, Brodie Conant and Scott Livingstone shot the low gross of 59 in the Men’s Flight, while Meg Sullivan, Brian Tierney, Rob Calhoun and Michelle Laurie shot the low gross in the Mixed Flight (65).

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.