Over almost two decades the CIRI Golf Classic has raised more than $1 million for youth and education causes in Alaska. What began as a small tournament for employees and friends of Peak Oilfield Service Company in 1984 is now considered one of the most successful tournaments in Alaska. Today, the CIRI Golf Classic is a community-wide event with more than 150 players and sponsors that raised more than $100,000 this year.
Although over the years most of the proceeds have gone to The CIRI Foundation, as with last year other educational charities will be the recipients, including Southcentral Foundation’s Early Head Start, Tyonek’s Boys & Girls Club, Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s Tribal Training Grant program and University of Alaska Anchorage’s Recruitment and Retention of Alaska Natives into Nursing program.

CIRI’s community relations program prioritizes education and youth programs because Alaska Natives statewide rank among the lowest groups for successfully graduating and academic test scores. CIRI works in partnership with many agencies including the Anchorage School District’s Indian Education Program, Cook Inlet Tribal Council and The CIRI Foundation to support Native families in their educational endeavors.

“Education is one of the major challenges that face many Native families. The Native community needs to collectively address the challenges in our educational system and seek solutions for our youth to be successful. We know that education is the key to self-sufficiency for Alaska Natives,” said Carl Marrs, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Long-time education advocates Wilson Hughes, Executive Vice President and General Manager of GCI, and Carl Brady Jr., Chairman of Brady & Company, helped to raise funds and awareness of the tournament as the co-chairs.
“The CIRI Golf Classic is one of the best tournaments in Alaska and this year was no exception. The tournament truly touches the lives of many Alaskans – that includes nursing students at UAA or the young child who is beginning a Head Start Program this fall,” said Wilson Hughes.

“The volunteers and sponsors deserve so much credit for the success of the tournament. It takes a team of dedicated people who believe in the purpose of the tournament that includes the sponsors, players and volunteers. We have many long-time supporters who come back every year to help in some way. I have many volunteers who are working at 5 a.m. in the morning and 11 p.m. at night making sure everything is ready to go and the event is a success,” said Dawn Dinwoodie, tournament director.

This year’s tournament had a surprise celebrity golfer play. Jack Nicklaus Jr., well-known golf course designer and son of golf legend Jack Nicklaus Sr., was one of the 152 players who enjoyed a round of golf at Moose Run Golf Course to benefit the recipients.