Golf Tourney, Auction Fit Charity Cause to a Tee

Merlin Olsen knows the secret to being an effective charity auctioneer: “Bidders who care enough to put their money where their mouth is.”

The former Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman played auctioneer and host at the fifth annual auction and Celebrity Golf Tournament to benefit the Orange County chapter of Childhelp USA, a national organization that assists victims of child abuse. The event at Los Coyotes Country Club in Buena Park netted $60,000.

“These people care about kids,” Olsen said of the 175 supporters who attended. “What about that guy tonight who kept raising his own bid!” Olsen referred to a spirited supporter who upped his own ante trying to win a Caribbean vacation. “He just really wanted to help.”

But Kenny Sarvak, husband of tournament chairman Sharon Sarvak, won the trip with a $2,000 bid. “Too bad we can’t leave for St. Croix tomorrow,” said Sharon, ebullient over the prize but exhausted over organizing and playing in the tournament.

The daylong event Monday had begun at 9 a.m. when nearly 75 players registered for the 18-hole scramble-style tourney. (Five players, including one celebrity, drive from a tee and select the best shot. All players hit from that spot, and the procedure is followed until the hole is played. One score is recorded per hole.) Supporters could choose several ways to participate: A $200 donation allowed tournament participation, lunch and attendance at the dinner and auction. A $150 donation included tournament attendance, post-tourney festivities and the opportunity for supporters to have their name or company name posted at a tee. A donation of $200 was required for celebrity sponsorship. Non-playing guests paid $45 to attend the tourney and the dinner.

The event was underwritten by the BMW Dealers of Orange County and Coca-Cola USA.

Among the approximately 30 celebrity golfers who paired up with Childhelp supporters were Bobby Hatfield, one of the Righteous Brothers, who donated a gold record album that fetched $1,000 in the auction; actor Peter Haskell; Rams player Nolan Cromwell; comedian Jack Carter and actor Efrem Zimbalist Jr., a Childhelp good-will ambassador.

“Mr. Zimbalist is wonderful to Childhelp,” said Marty Bosak, publicity chairman. “He visits our village (a residential treatment facility in Beaumont) to keep himself educated about what’s going on. Then he goes out and talks to people about Childhelp.”

While supporters were excited about the celebrity turnout, some expressed disappointment that comedian Bob Hope was a no-show for the second year in a row. “He had agreed to come only a month ago,” said Bosak. “Then, Saturday he left a message on my recorder. I called him, and he said he was sorry he couldn’t attend, but he had hurt his shoulder. Last year, filming interfered.”

Winners of the tournament with a score of 72--15 under par--were Gary Hinman, husband of Childhelp volunteer Sara Hinman; Joe Divenczo, Don Daucher and Frank Punelli. Character actor Bob Donner was the team’s celebrity player. For their efforts, the group won Rams starter jackets, champagne and plaques from Childhelp.

All proceeds will go directly to the residential facility in Beaumont, said Sharon Sarvak.