Thank you to Jennie Robinson and Riley Rose!

HUGE THANKS to La Quinta, CA realtor and single handicapper Jennie Robinson and her amazing golden retriever, Riley Rose. Jennie has donated 400 gently used golf balls for B4B! These are balls that Riley Rose has hunted and collected at Jennie's home course in California. (Note: All balls were found in the bushes, off the fairway, not in play.)

MountainStar Tees Up 2010 Birdies 4 Babies Golfing Fundraiser

In its sixth season, MountainStar Family Relief Nursery announces the launch of the 2010 Birdies 4 Babies golfing fundraiser! Proceeds will support MountainStar’s child abuse and neglect prevention program that serves at-risk families with babies and toddlers throughout Deschutes County.

The Birdies 4 Babies season-long program invites golfers of all abilities, from beginners to professionals, to collect money for birdies (one under PAR) and for other great golf shots made during the 2010 golfing season. The 2010 Birdies 4 Babies fundraising goal is to raise more than $35,000, plus additional matching funds and business sponsorships for MountainStar.

Following is a list of golf courses already committed to being part of the Birdies 4 Babies program for the 2010 season: Awbrey Glen, Bend Golf and Country, Brasada Ranch, Broken Top, Crosswater, Juniper, Pronghorn, River’s Edge and Tetherow.

Greg Robbins, Head PGA Golf Professional at Broken Top Club said, “As a father, I know that parenting is a tough job under the best circumstances. I have been a part of the Birdies 4 Babies event because I enjoy giving back to an organization like MountainStar that helps provide stability for families and children in great need."

Birdies 4 Babies has a FaceBook Page!

Check it out and become a FAN of the Birdies 4 Babies Facebook Page!

$500 Birdie Challenge Gift from Golf Getaways

Golf Getaways of Bend, Oregon has given a "Birdie Challenge Gift" of $500 to MountainStar! This gift will cover the annual cost for 1 child in MountainStar's Safety Net Program. Our sincere thanks to Jackie and Bernie Reumann for their generosity!

CafeGive Widget

$1,000 Challenge Gift for B4B's "Golf Balls for Babies"

A Birdies 4 Babies sponsor is providing a $1,000 challenge gift for the “Golf Balls 4 Babies” program started by Melinda Bailey at Widgi Creek Golf Club. The B4B sponsor will match $0.50 for each dollar raised this season, up to $1,000. To take full advantage of the challenge gift, Golf Balls 4 Babies must bring in $2,000 by the end of October. In 2008, the program raised nearly $1,000 for at-risk children of MountainStar. Although it’s still very early in the 2009 golfing season, Golf Balls 4 Babies has already given $475 to MountainStar! Additional B4B sponsors are encouraged to participate.

JELD-WEN Tradition Tickets Available with Proceeds to MountainStar

ATTENTION ALL BIRDIES 4 BABIES GOLFERS AND ALL GOLF FANS: MountainStar is selling tickets to the 2009 Jeld-Wen Tradition in Sunriver and we get to keep 100% of the ticket sales we generate. You can purchase single day passes and weekend badges online at http://jeld-wentradition.com/tickets.cfm and be sure to specify MountainStar as your charity of choice.

Melinda's "Golf Balls 4 Babies"

In addition to volunteering weekly in MountainStar's "Healing Children" classroom, one of Melinda Bailey's favorite things to do is "hunting and fishing" for golf balls at her home course, Widgi Creek Golf Club. When the owner of the club asked local residents to please refrain from spin and flyfishing on the lakes at Widgi, he made one exception... it's still okay for Melinda to "fish" for golf balls.

During golfing events at Widgi, Melinda places a basket of golf balls on the 11th tee box. Any golfer who wants an extra ball or two for the intimidating tee shot over the lake are welcome to select from a wide assortment of gently used Titlests, Bridgestones, Callaways, and other name brands. Along with the basket of balls, Melinda puts out a Birdies 4 Babies donation box with a sign asking golfers to make a contribution to MountainStar.

Last summer, Melinda spent over six hours each week collecting golf balls at Widgi. To clean the balls, she would run them through a cycle in her washing machine. (Amazingly, she cleans golf balls in her washing machine!) Last season, Melinda collected over 1,000 golf balls and raised more than $900 for MountainStar through the B4B donation box!

Way to go Melinda!

Taya Wins CN Canadian Women's Tour Season Opener

CONGRATULATIONS to Taya Battistella (B4B Golf Professional) for WINNING the CN Canadian Women's Tour event at Seymour Golf & Country Club! During the 2-day tournament, Taya made 6 "Birdies 4 Babies". The win earns her an exemption into the 2009 CN Canadian Women's Open.

42 Golf Pros Signed on with B4B This Season!

MountainStar Family Relief Nursery is proud to announce that forty-two golf professionals are participating in its fifth annual Birdies 4 Babies fundraiser. Participating this year are golf pros from Aspen Lakes (Derek Johnson and Matt Phillips), Awbrey Glen Golf Club (Tim Fraley, Rick Gloor and Steve Ho’okano), Bend Golf and Country Club (Erik Nielsen, Todd Kruse, Corey Lackaff and Brandon Jackson), Brasada Ranch (Zach Swoffer and Dan Wendt), Broken Top Club (Chad Stoddard and Greg Robbins), Crosswater Club (Josh Willis, Louis Bennett and Josh Gordon), Eagle Crest Resort (Ron Buerger, Howie Pruitt, and Tam Bronkey), Juniper Golf (Bruce Wattenburger), Lost Tracks (Bob Garza), Pronghorn Club (Michael Marion, Mike Lewis, Nolan Halterman, Justin Thayer and Randy Ballard), River’s Edge (Troy Eckberg, Brad Hunter), Sunriver Resort (Tony Blasius, Chris Points, Tom Whittemore, Kyle Johnson, Meghan Dobbins, Lynn Neeman and Ryan King, Tetherow (Martin Chuck and Caleb Anderson) and Widgi Creek Golf Club (Dan Ostrin, Josh Bowles and Ted Taylor.) Also participating is Futures Tour player, Taya Battistella, and PGA golf professional, Bob Duncan.

Thank you to all of the pros who have signed on with Birdies 4 Babies this season!

Over $35,000 Raised This Season!

Amateur and professional golfers from all over Central Oregon raised more than $35,000 this year for MountainStar Family Relief Nursery through Birdies 4 Babies! Among the major birdie makers were golfers from Crosswater Golf Club, who donated more than $17,000 to MountainStar. According to Kim Rogers of Crosswater, “Both the men’s and ladies’ golf groups at Crosswater wanted to help children at high-risk for abuse and neglect and has whole-heartedly adopted Birdies 4 Babies.” “It’s fun to make a birdie, but also knowing that the birdie money raised is going to the aid of our community’s most vulnerable children makes the golfing experience much more gratifying.”

Also participating in Birdies 4 Babies this year were 50 golf professionals, 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, raising more than $2,000 with the 156 birdies and 1 eagle scored in professional tournaments through October.

“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of the local golfing community,” says Tim Rusk, Executive Director of MountainStar. “In addition to bringing in critical dollars that support MountainStar’s programs, Birdies 4 Babies has helped create much needed public awareness for children and families who desperately need the services we provide.”

Birdies 4 Babies Golf Pros Competing in 2008 Pacific Northwest PGA Professional Championship

The following B4B golf professionals are competing this week at Tetherow Golf Club in the 2008 Pacific Northwest PGA Professional Championship:

Tony Blasius (Sunriver Resort)
Martin Chuck (Tetherow)
Tim Fraley (Awbrey Glen)
Bob Garza (Lost Tracks
Dan Ostrin (Widgi Creek)

The lowest 5 golfers at the end of the 54-hole tournament will advance to the 42nd National PGA Championship next June at Twin Warriors Golf Club in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico. The top 5 golfers from that tournament will advance to the PGA Championship, one of golf's 4 major tournaments.

MountainStar sends good luck and "one putt wishes" to Tony, Martin, Tim, Bob and Dan!

Birdies 4 Babies Story on Duramed Futures Tour Website

On August 8th, the Duramed FUTURES Tour (http://duramedfuturestour.com) posted a story in the "Entertainment" section of the website called "Birdies 4 Babies - Player Charity Involvement". The story features B4B golf professional Taya Battistella. To read about Taya's accomplishments, here's the link:

http://duramedfuturestour.com/Entertainment/Features.asp?page=Features/FS080708.ssi

Crosswater Tees Up Golfing Season by Giving $4,000!

Members of Crosswater Club have already raised more than $4,000 for MountainStar's Birdies 4 Babies golfing fundraiser, and the season has just started!

From MountainStar Executive Director, Tim Rusk: "Given current economic challenges, at-risk children in Central Oregon are facing an even higher threat for abuse and neglect. Poverty, homelessness and unemployment are just 3 of the average 20 risk factors that many of the families served by MountainStar are dealing with on a daily basis. On behalf of the many vulnerable children in our community, we extend our deep appreciation and sincere thanks to the members of Crosswater for their generosity and ongoing support of our program."

Taya's Making Birdies!

B4B Golf Pro and Duramed Futures Tour player, Taya Battistella, has made 64 birdies in 9 events played this season, including posting 26 birdies in her last 3 events! Taya finished in the Top 10 (T8) at her last event, the Horseshoe Casino Classic at Lost Marsh Golf Course in Hammond, Indiana. If you would like to sponsor Taya in her B4B quest, please contact her at tayagolfs@yahoo.com.

Now in its 28th season, the Duramed FUTURES Tour (http://www.duramedfuturestour.com) has established itself as “the Road to the LPGA and Beyond,” and since 1999, it has been designated as the official developmental tour of the LPGA. More than 300 Duramed FUTURES Tour alumnae are LPGA members, and through 2007, alums have won a total of 330 LPGA victories and 35 major championships. Last year, tour alums won 15 of 32 LPGA tournaments and two of the four major championships.

50 Golf Pros on the Links with Birdies 4 Babies!

Fifty golf professionals are participating in MountainStar's fourth annual Birdies 4 Babies™ season-long golfing fundraiser. Participating this year are golf pros from Aspen Lakes (Derek Johnson and Matt Phillips), Awbrey Glen Golf Club (Tim Fraley, Rick Gloor, Al Fortier and Steve Ho’okano), Bend Golf and Country Club (Erik Nielsen, Todd Kruse, Corey Lackaff and Brandon Jackson), Brasada Ranch (Zach Swoffer and Dan Wendt), Broken Top Club (Chad Stoddard and Greg Robbins), Crosswater Club (Brad Myrick, Josh Willis and Louis Bennett), Eagle Crest Resort (Ron Buerger, Howie Pruitt, Candace Brink, Tam Bronkey and Jeff Glodt), Juniper Golf (Bruce Wattenburger and Bob Duncan), Lost Tracks (Bob Garza), Pronghorn Club (Michael Marion, Mike Lewis, Nolan Halterman, Adam Bowen, Justin Thayer and Randy Ballard), River’s Edge (Troy Eckberg and Brett Fanning), Sunriver Resort (Tony Blasius, Mike Palen, Matt Scott, Chris Points, Tom Whittemore, Kyle Johnson, Jason Van Nice, Meghan Dobbins, Lynn Neeman and Klint Neeman, Tetherow (Martin Chuck and Caleb Anderson) and Widgi Creek Golf Club (Dan Ostrin, Josh Bowles and Ted Taylor.) Also participating is Futures Tour player, Taya Battistella, and Tualatin Golf Club golf professional, Scott Rath.


Erik Nielsen and Brandon Jackson
Bend Golf and Country Club









Ron Buerger and Howie Pruitt
Eagle Crest








The golf professionals are inviting club members, students, friends, family and golfing buddies to make donations for each birdie (one under par) they make while competing in Oregon PGA (Professional Golf Association) events and other special events held during 2008. Ms. Battistella, a graduate of Summit High School in Bend and three-time winner of the Oregon State Class 4A High School Championships (1996-1998), is seeking sponsors for birdies and eagles (two under par) that she makes while competing in 2008 Futures Tour (LPGA Development Tour) events.

If you would like to become a Birdies 4 Babies sponsor for any participating golf professionals, please contact them directly or contact MountainStar at 541-322-6820.

2008 Birdies 4 Babies Golfing Fundraiser Off to a Great Start!

MountainStar Family Relief Nursery has kicked off its 4th annual season-long Birdies 4 Babies golfing fundraiser. Proceeds from Birdies 4 Babies will support MountainStar’s child abuse and neglect prevention program that serves at-risk families with babies and toddlers. The Birdies 4 Babies event invites golfers of all abilities, from beginners to professionals, to collect money for birdies (one under PAR) and for other great golf shots made during the 2008 golfing season. Each golfer is asked to donate their "birdie money" to MountainStar. B4B golfers are asked to send a check for birdie money collected directly to MountainStar or bring a check to the B4B Celebration Party given for B4B participants at the end of the golfing season. The B4B Celebration Party is scheduled on Oct. 28, 2008.

Last year (2007), more than $25,000 was raised through Birdies 4 Babies in support of the children and families of MountainStar. Men and women golfers throughout Deschutes County participated. In addition 26 local golf pros became “Professional B4B Birdiemakers”.

The 2008 Birdies 4 Babies fundraising goal is to raise over $25,000, plus additional matching funds for MountainStar. To learn more about MountainStar, check out www.mountainstarfamily.org. Better yet, come take a one-hour informational tour of the relief nursery. Tours are scheduled on the first Tuesday of every month (5:00-6:00 p.m.) and on the 3rd Friday of every month (12:30-1:30 p.m.).

To receive a Birdies 4 Babies fundraising kit, including a B4B tag to hang on your golf bag, please contact MountainStar at 541-322-6820.

Still Time to Sponsor B4B Golf Professionals!

The golfing season in Central Oregon will soon be coming to a close. It's not too late to sponsor a Birdies 4 Babies golf professional for their birdies made this season! The OPGA Fall Tour starts next week (Sept. 24-27) and will be played at the Awbrey Glen, Juniper, Eagle Ridge and Black Butte Ranch courses. To sponsor a B4B golf pro, please contact them directly. Below are 6 of the 26 golf pros who are participating in Birdies 4 Babies this season.

Rick Wild & Greg Robbins (Broken Top Club)






Chris Points & Tony Blasius (Sunriver Resort)





Dan Ostrin & Josh Bowles (Widgi Creek Golf Club)

Meet Susan and Taya Battistella, Birdies 4 Babies Participants

From left: Melinda Bailey, Susan Battistella, Shelly Hummel and Kathy Murch

While playing with Melinda Bailey, Shelly Hummel and Kathy Murch in the 2005 Three Sisters Open golf tournament, Susan Battistella suggested “Birdies 4 Babies” as the name for the informal golfing fundraiser started that summer by herself, Bailey, Hummel, Murch, Joanne Michael and Susan Weir. Earlier this summer, Susan helped stuff 1,000 B4B kits for distribution to Central Oregon golfers. An avid golfer, Susan lives and plays golf at Widgi Creek in Bend.

Taya Battistella (left), Susan’s daughter, is a golf professional on the rise. Last year, Taya played in the LPGA-tour qualifying tournament (Q-School), which was held in Florida in November. She asked friends, family and fans to support Birdies 4 Babies by pledging dollars for every birdie she made during the Q-school event. She helped raise over $1,500 for MountainStar. Winner of a 2006 event on the Cn Canadian Women’s Tour and the 2005 California Women’s Open champion, Taya currently competes in events on the Duramed Futures Tour. Taya will be competing in the sectional qualifying tournament for the LPGA on Sept. 19-22 at the Mission Hills Country Club in Palm Springs.

Crosswater Golf Pros Raise $500 for Birdies 4 Babies!

During the recent Ladies Member–Guest tournament at Crosswater Club, two of Crosswater’s golf pros (Adam Sollers and Clay Morton) “sold” shots to players – a shot over the river on the tough to carry 8th hole, and a tee shot on the difficult par 3 13th hole, with all the proceeds going to B4B. The pros did a great job and helped raise $500!!!!

Adam, along with fellow Crosswater golf pro Josh Willis, are also "B4B Birdiemakers". (If you would like to sponsor Adam or Josh for the birdies they make in Oregon PGA events, please contact them at 593-6196.)

Many thanks to Adam, Clay, and Josh and to all Crosswater members! This was yet another creative way that Crosswater has raised funds this year to help the at-risk children and families of MountainStar!