Aug. 3 was a typical hot summer day, but equally as hot was the enthusiasm to raise money for the Monty Thompson Continuing Education Foundation. The Anthony Golf Course was the setting for the 10th Annual Golf Outing in Thompson's name.

Outing coordinator Mike Miller said this 10th year proved to have "the best turnout ever" with 18 four-member teams. Donations and the auction raised over $6,000, which Miller said "far exceeded" any of the previous years.

A lifelong educator, Thompson was a longtime teacher and principal at South Barber School. He was also an avid golfer and battled Melanoma cancer several years. Before his death in 2008 the South Barber Site Council had decided to establish an education foundation in Thompson's name. He had requested that his golfing buddies go to the course the afternoon of his funeral after the service. Those guys decided to continue the tradition and support the foundation with their donations.

Miller said the goal of the Monty Thompson Education Foundation is to provide USD 255 with funds to assist teachers for educational purposes (materials, field trips, etc.) These past 10 years, the foundation has contributed over $85,000, Miller said.

When asked about these efforts to support the foundation for 10 years, Jane Thompson (Monty's wife who taught for years at South Barber Elementary) said, "It is amazing! Through the support of the community the MTCEF has been able to help the schools in so many ways. Monty was always wanting to do what was best for kids and this is a fantastic legacy. He would be very proud."

Miller thanks all those who participated in the outing, the golf course and all the sponsors to make this record-setting year possible to help education.