Around The Cracker Barrel - “Golf, Giving, and Great Sausage: Supporting Local Youth” (Aired 10/10/2025)

Supporting Youth Through Community Partnership This week on Around the Cracker Barrel, host Guy Atchley welcomed Ken Woodward from the Optimist Club of Green Valley–Sahuarita and Paul Loomans with the Sahuarita Educational Enrichment Foundation (SEEF). Together, they discussed their shared mission of supporting youth and education in the community through scholarships, enrichment programs, and fundraising events. For over 40 years, the Optimist Club has focused on helping local children, while SEEF partners with the Sahuarita Unified School District to provide grants and resources to enhance classroom learning experiences.Golf, Sausage, and Community Spirit The highlight of the conversation was the 37th Annual Optimist Club Golf Tournament, taking place October 25th at Haven Golf Course. The event, known for its fun and relaxed “scramble” format, offers raffle prizes, silent auctions, and a community-favorite lunch featuring the Club’s award-winning Italian sausage—available in both regular and spicy varieties. Funds raised from the tournament go directly toward scholarships and youth-focused initiatives in the Green Valley and Sahuarita area.La Posada’s Role and SEEF’s Educational Impact As a major sponsor, La Posada at Green Valley continues its commitment to education by supporting events like this tournament. Loomans shared how SEEF uses these funds to provide mini-grants for teachers, sponsor certification training, and offer scholarships to help students pursue higher education. The Foundation also supports innovative programs such as dyslexia tutoring initiatives and partnerships that connect students with professionals—from architects to artists—to inspire hands-on learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom.Building Optimism for the Future Both guests emphasized how vital community involvement is for sustaining these programs. The Optimist Club continues to welcome new members and encourages anyone interested in helping local youth to attend their weekly breakfast meetings at the Arizona Family Restaurant. As Woodward noted, “It’s all about the kids.” With organizations like the Optimist Club and SEEF working hand in hand, Green Valley and Sahuarita remain shining examples of how community partnerships can make a lasting difference for generations to come.