A Simple Idea Catches Fire
During the summer of 2005, Birdies 4 Babies was conceived by MountainStar Board members Kathy Murch and Joanne Michael, and four good friends of MountainStar; Susan Battistella, Melinda Bailey, Shelly Hummel and Susan Weir.  Following the "Birdie Club" and "2 Club"
tradition that rewards birdies with a dollar or two paid to the golfer, these
six ladies agreed to collect all of their birdie money and donate it to MountainStar.  Adopting the name “Birdies 4 Babies” proposed by Susan Battistella, the six women contributed $500 "birdie” dollars to MountainStar
at the end of the 2005 golfing season.

And They Tell Someone . . .
In 2006, with the goal of spreading the word about MountainStar and the hope of raising even more money for its programs, Birdies 4 Babies was rolled out to the local community. Golfers from all over Central Oregon informally signed on, and more than $15,000 was raised for MountainStar! Among the major birdie makers were golfers from Crosswater Golf Club, who contributed more than $4800.  Also participating in Birdies 4 Babies that season were three local golf professionals (Bob Garza from Lost Tracks Golf Club, Tim Fraley from Awbrey Glen Golf Club and Greg Robbins from Broken Top Club) who asked friends, family, golfing pals, students and club members to sponsor birdies they made while competing in Oregon PGA events.  Futures Tour player, Taya Battistella, also participated in Birdies 4 Babies by obtaining sponsors for the birdies she made while competing in the LPGA Canadian Open.

Central Oregon Stepped Up to the Tee!
Last year (2008), more than $35,000 was raised through Birdies 4 Babies in support of the children and families of MountainStar.  Men and women golfers from almost every club in Deschutes County participated, with more than 950 B4B Golf Kits distributed throughout the golfing season.  In addition, 41 local golf pros became “Professional B4B Birdiemakers”.

Tiger Woods' Caddy Pitched in, So Can You!
Golf Pro Bob Garza, Director of Instruction at Lost Tracks Golf Club, has secured a flag from the 2006 British Open at Royal Liverpool which bears Tiger Woods’ signature! Steve Williams, Tiger's good friend and long time caddy, has given this very special flag to MountainStar Family Relief Nursery. This very special flag will be awarded to the top Birdies 4 Babies winner for the 2007 season. The winner will be given the framed flag to hang in their home, or they may choose to hang the flag at their favorite golf club.

To participate in Birdies 4 Babies, contact your Central Oregon golf pro for a Birdies Kit, or call MountainStar at 541-322-6820.

Visit http://www.birdies4babies.blogspot.com/ to see which golf pros are participating this year and keep updated on current B4B news and events.