Friends of JKPL raises more than $10K at fundraiser

A total of $10,000 was raised during the 2nd Annual Joeten-Kiyu Public Library Golf Tournament Fundraiser held Saturday at the Laolao Bay Golf & Resort’s west course.

Acting JKPL director Erlinda Naputi said a total of 80 golfers took part in the double Peoria tournament.

“We [had] 80 golfers in participation—nearly double of what we achieved during our first annual golf tournament fundraiser more than four years ago. We have over 12 corporate sponsors pledging monies, donations, contributions, manpower, and support in ensuring this event [would] be a success. For those of you who have never participated in our first golf tournament fundraiser, you are in for a real treat and those returning golf players, we welcome you back,” she said.

Naputi said the 2nd Annual Joeten-Kiyu Public Library Golf Tournament Fundraiser was an overwhelming success.

“The weather was perfect! The Laolao Bay Golf [& Resort] course was in spectacular condition, and we are already looking forward to planning our 3rd…fundraiser,” she said.

Harry Nakamura came in first place, while second placer Nick Sablan gave back his winnings from the event. Feng Chun Jin received third place, David Largent got fourth, and Seung Woo Kang finished at fifth.

For the optional play/side bet competition, Joe Itibus won closest to the pin on hole No. 3, Tars Olopai on hole No. 7, and Joey Dela Cruz on hole No. 13, Jeon Young Im almost won the $5,000 hole-in-one prize on hole No. 7 and Seung Woo Kang won the longest drive.

The other hole-in-one prize was a brand new Kia Rio.

Corporate sponsors of the event included Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC, Best Sunshine Corporate and Social Responsibility Team, Joeten Dai Dai Foundation, Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, Inc, Lao Lao Bay Golf Resort, GREE Air Conditioning, Kilili for U.S. Congress, Triple J, MARPAC, Pacific Trading Co. Ltd, Megabyte, J’s Restaurant, Kanoa Resort, T-Galleria DFS, Carpet Masters, Governor Ralph Torres, Rep. John Paul Sablan, volunteers under the supervision of Jose Naputi: Jeremy Agulto, KaitoYanai, Kyle Fabia, Enrique Rabauliman, Christian Arceo, Patrick Arceo, Jack Lizama, Michael Fitial, DJ Mendiola, Shine Tenorio, Ray Saralu, Dustin Palacios, Eugene Villagomez, and Nathan Villagomez; police officer Joe Ayuyu, Maggie Naputi and her daughter Val Naputi, Vice Chairman Asap Ogumoro and Lei Tenorio, and community volunteers Francis Angui, Barbara Iglesias, Kadianne Sablan, Kui Lee, Francis Pangelinan, John Guerrero; Marianas Golf Association, the Refaluwasch Golf Association, the Saipan Golf Association, the Korean Golf Association, the Amigos Golf Association, and Xclusive Golf Association; Office of Homeland Security, special Aassistant to HSEM Gerald Deleon Guerrero, and Joey Dela Cruz.

JKPL is looking forward to seeing more of the public at the their 25th Anniversary Dinner Fundraiser on Dec. 19 at the Pacific Islands Club with tickets at $50. For more information, call the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library at 235-7323/235-7316.