Fr. Joji Balasamy, parochial vicar at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Phoenix, joined Jim Trinchitella, Rich Jedlowski, Fr. Jess Ty, parochial administrator at Our Lady of Joy in Carefree, Amy Dale, Fr. Thomas Varkey, parochial vicar at Our Lady of Joy and Fred Mapp for the annual Golf 'Fore' Charity benefit hosted by the parish's Knights of Columbus.  (photo courtesy of Jack McAward)
Fr. Joji Balasamy, parochial vicar at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Phoenix, joined Jim Trinchitella, Rich Jedlowski, Fr. Jess Ty, parochial administrator at Our Lady of Joy in Carefree, Amy Dale, Fr. Thomas Varkey, parochial vicar at Our Lady of Joy and Fred Mapp for the annual Golf ‘Fore’ Charity benefit hosted by the parish’s Knights of Columbus.  (photo courtesy of Jack McAward)

In some golf games, high scores are good too. Like the one the Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of Joy Parish in Carefree hosted.

The men rounded up enough golfers and others interested in their charitable work to raise some $165,000 at this year’s Golf “Fore” Charity event April 28. Organizers proudly handed over checks to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul — the primary beneficiary – plus another 25 worthy charities.

Funds came from registration fees, which included lunch, dinner and a formal program featuring awards, a cash raffle and results of a silent auction. Bidding edged up toward $10,000 for one week in a fabulous Tuscany villa. Golfers also enjoyed wine tasting and a culinary demonstration from sous chefs at X Tapa Joe’s, an upscale Mexican restaurant.

Organizers said the 13th annual Golf “Fore” Charity continued to raise the bar for charitable fundraising events. Registration exceeded capacity at Troon Country Club, which has hosted the benefit for the past nine years, so Desert Highlands welcomed additional foursomes.

The Knights have raised more than $1.4 million since its first Golf “Fore” Charity outing.