Kidz Kove tourney raises thousands

Project Kidz Kove’s annual golf tournament was held Sept. 27 at the Lakes Course at Pelican Point.

The event kicked off with several special needs children hitting balls on the first tee, a news release from PKK says.

The tournament raised money for an all-access playground to be built in Gonzales.

Low gross winners were Tommy LeJeune, Josh Dencausse, Lou Perrault and Jason Helmke. The team of Mike Enlow, Benny Johnson, Clayton Wood and Kenny Matassa won first place.

James Cowart won the longest drive award and David Plaisance won the straightest drive prize.

The closest to the hole prize went to Jason Helmke, Pete Robbins, Herb Vessel and Josh Yarborough.

Project Kidz Kove board members said the event raised more than $20,000.

“We cannot thank all of those responsible near enough for supporting us in our ongoing endeavor to raise the funding needed to build our universal play park, Kidz Kove,” said PKK board member Pam Cagnolatti. “The generosity and support from this parish and surrounding communities has been outstanding and heartwarming.”

Established in 2010, Project Kidz Kove is a not-for-profit organization in Ascension Parish, whose purpose is to raise funds to construct a playground for children of all abilities. The park will focus on additional equipment for children with physical or sensory developmental challenges and specialized equipment to facilitate their play experiences.

Acreage for Kidz Kove Discovery Park was dedicated by the city of Gonzales, and once completed will be maintained by the city’s department of recreation.