'Packer Backers' out in full force at tourney

Jamie Packer would have loved Aug. 6-7 at Hidden Lakes Golf Resort as 308 golfers over two days came together to support a great cause.

Many people in the community knew Jamie Packer as a golf pro, hockey player, family man and church parishioner. Many also grew to love Jamie as he touched lives with his infectious smile and warm heart. After Packer was killed in a car accident last month, it was time for the community to give back to the family of the man who gave so much of himself.

"Quite a thing for Jamie's wife, mother and father to see just how much Jamie was revered and loved in this community," said Mike Deprez, a friend of Jamie Packer as well as Hidden Lakes director of golf, of the two-day Packer Family Support Scramble.

On both days, the tournament exceeded the golf course capacity of 144 players for scramble play.

"While the reception at Hidden Lakes following Packer's memorial service was indeed a time for reflection and mourning, this was a truly celebration of Jamie, likely the way he would have wanted it," said Deprez.

Family members thanked tournament participants for their emotional as well as financial support.

"The love we felt from all of them was absolutely awesome," said Sheila Packer.

Sheila Packer greeted players in the area of the number 7 and 12 tees and spoke to them about Jamie.

"So many wonderful stories were shared with me that I never knew about," she said. "It really spoke to the character of Jamie and what a wonderful man he was."

The tournament raised approximately $115,000 for the Packer family, Sheila, Mackenzie, 6, Sydney, 4, and Brady, 1, with more donations coming in. Coldwater Creek donated $10,000 as a major sponsor, Jamie Hukill added $5,000, $3,000 came from Mountain West Bank and The Russo Foundation, and Litehouse Dressing came through with another $2,000. Twenty-three other businesses and individuals donated $1,000 each and too many others to list included donations of cash and prizes for the event.

The best gross scores were 55 on Saturday and 61 on Sunday, a testament to the caliber of golfers who turned out for the event.

Ken Parker, Master PGA golf pro and former director of golf for Hidden Lakes, was up for auction to play on teams in the tournament. Bids totaled $1,300 for both days.

"I can say with great confidence that Parker's company was worth the money spent on him and that whether or not his play was worth it is completely subjective," Deprez said.

If you were unable to play in the tournament, but would still like to support the Packer Family, you can send donations to: Mountain West Bank, Attention: Packer Family Fund, 476655 Highway 95, Ponderay, ID 83852.

Deprez summed up the tournament with a favorite comment — "top notch."