You would imagine keeping score at a golfing event to raise funds for the Warwick Boys & Girls Clubs held last week at the Oakland Beach clubhouse. Not so. Keeping score was not the intent of the Par-Tee that started at 5 p.m. and was over by 8 p.m., although guests could play as many holes of miniature golf as they liked.  In fact, a lot of those playing sank holes-in-one, which would have been a big event at a traditional fundraising golf event.

Rather, explained Lara D’Antuono, the whole point of the Par-Tee, apart from raising funds for the club, was to introduce the 177 guests to the club and the programs it provides for kids.

“We wanted to get people in the club and see what fun it is for the kids,” said D’Antuono.

To do that, the club gym was converted into an 18-hole miniature golf course and the large game room just inside the main entry was transformed into a lounge – the work of Dan Scanlon Jr.  – with high tables, nightclub lighting and a serving line staffed by volunteers who barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs just outside the door. Food was donated by 99 Restaurants. The stone fire pit inside – which was not burning – was one of the donations to the club that was auctioned off during the event.  Also, there was a drawing for $10,000. The winner was Gilbane Construction, one of the corporate sponsors of the Par-Tee.

D’Antuono was thrilled with the event, which raised $60,000 to support Warwick Boys & Girls Clubs programs.