The Addison Rotary Club held the 30th Annual Addison Rotary Open (ARO) was held on September 14 at Gleneagles Country Club.  The club took extra efforts this year to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines including staggered starting times, barriers in golf carts, social distancing and mandatory masks. 
The 166 participating golfers took these new measures in stride and feedback was universally positive about the safety measures taken.    Despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the work and dedication of Addison Rotary Club members resulted in net proceeds of $166,460 for the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas (RMHD).  The net amount from the 2020 ARO was only $5,765 less than the pre-pandemic net raised in 2019.
 
Event Chair Amanda Hickey said “These incredible results happened because of all our Club members.  It was an incredible day, and you all made it that way.”   A new feature of this 30th annual event was the “Cash is King” raffle for a grand prize of $5,000.  In true Rotarian fashion, the winner of the grand prize, who wishes to remain anonymous, donated $2,500 back to RHMD in recognition of the outstanding work for families served!
 
The Ronald McDonald House of Dallas offers 83 private bedrooms and six transplant apartments along with outdoor play areas, a library, media room, and meals for families of ill children undergoing medical treatment at Dallas-area hospitals.   Jill Cumnock, RHMD CEO, said after the tournament, “This was a challenging year in many ways, and I am so impressed with what you all accomplished.  Your continued support and commitment to Ronald McDonald House of Dallas means so much to the families we serve.  I feel like a broken record, but the Addison Rotary makes such an impact to our House.  We could not do all that we do without you.  Thank you for sharing your time, energy and talent to ensure a wonderful tournament.”
 
Addison Rotary Club President Mike Ray added his praise for these results, “Our club rose to the occasion in 2020.  The House continued to serve families of critically ill children throughout the COVID-19 crisis.  Our club never flinched from its desire to support the House and used the pandemic to double its efforts to make this event a success.”
 
The club has raised over $3.7 million for local charities and has partnered with RHMD for over 15 years.  The Addison Rotary Open represents only one way club members improve lives and create a more vibrant and healthy community.  For more information about our club, contact Mike Ray at addisontexasrotary@gmail.com or www.addisonrotary.com.