KENNEWICK — Farmers and golfers raised more the $91,000 this year for the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) at the fifth annual Ag World Golf Classic at the Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Kennewick.

“The Ag World Golf Classic has donated more than $325,000 over the past five years to the RHMC,” an Ag World news release said. “The tournament is part of Ag World Support System's campaign to make a difference in the community.”

The 18-hole tournament, which was held on Wednesday, July 13, was also co-sponsored by Simplot, Lamb Weston, McCain Foods and the Potato Growers of Washington.

To encourage donations, Ag World and RHMC held a raffle, giving away box seat tickets to the Washington State University football game, a football signed by the Seattle Seahawks, rounds of golf, and overnight hotel stays, as well as other prices.

And it was all for a good cause — helping care for families with sick kids.

“This year's support from the Ag World Golf Classic will provide over 2,400 nights of lodging for families with ill children in a home-like setting,” said Mike Forness, executive director of the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Spokane.

“We could not do this without great partners like Ag World,” he added.

“We are humbled with the ongoing generosity of golfers, sponsors, donors and hosts,” said Warren Henninger, founder of Ag World Support Systems. “Ag World is honored to support such a worthy cause!”

Founded in 1997 and based in Moses Lake, Ag World Support Services provides independent, third-party inspection services for food processors in the United States, Canada and China.

Next year's Ag World Golf Classic fundraiser is set for Wednesday, June 12, at the Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Kennewick.

Charles H. Featherstone can be reached via email at countygvt@columbiabasinherald.com