<p>Big River Golf Course owner Ron Hosek, left, being presented with an honorary plaque by Camp Meadowood Springs Board of Directors Chairman Steve May, right, as he was inducted into the Camp Meadowood Springs Hall of Fame last Saturday.</p>

Big River Golf Course owner Ron Hosek was inducted into the Camp Meadowood Springs Hall of Fame last weekend for his contributions to the camp for the past 15 years.

Hosek was inducted into the Hall of Fame mostly because of his role in organizing the Camp Meadowood Springs benefit golf tournament at Big River Golf Course in Umatilla each year. He was the tournament chairman for more than a decade, and the event has grown exponentially during his tenure. The camp, situated in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, operates solely on private donations, and the Hermiston Elks, by way of the golf tournament, is its biggest donor.

The Camp Meadowood Springs Hall of Fame is reserved for individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty in supporting the advancement of the camp, which helps youth with social learning challenges. Many of the camps Hall of Fame inductees have donated countless hours and resources in some form to maintain the camp.

The tournament began 30 years ago, and Hosek first got involved by playing in the event. He left the area because of work in the mid-1980s, but he returned in 2000 and took over the tournament chairman position in 2001.

The tournament was raising three, four, five thousand dollars per year, which is great, but I thought there was an opportunity to do even more, Hosek said. I took over the chairman position with the idea that I wanted to really grow it into a premiere fundraising event for the camp.

Hoseks impact was immediate. In his first year as director, the tournament raised more than $30,000 in funds for the camp. Hosek said he wanted to get more corporate sponsors involved, and that was the key to growing the event.

I thought that was a great way to increase the fundraising, he said. Weve been fortunate that a lot of local businesses have donated to the tournament throughout the years.

This years tournament featured 27 corporate sponsors, the most in events history. Hosek said he believes that number can get even larger.

I wouldnt be surprised if we got to 30 next year, he said. It really says a lot about this community that so many people are willing to help out.

Hoseks vision didnt end with corporate sponsors. Throughout the course of his life, hes played in a number of events with celebrities. He said those tournaments tend to be more high profile.

I thought that if we could get some local celebrities to come to the event each year, thered be a bigger spotlight on the tournament, he said. That means more funds raised for the camp, and, at the end of the day, thats the biggest priority.

Even though it was Hosek who was inducted into the Camp Meadowood Springs Hall of Fame this past weekend, he said the tournaments growth has come from a collective group effort by its board of directors.

It hasnt just been me, he said. Its been a team effort, and there are so many people who have helped grow this tournament into what its become.

He did say it was nice to be honored, however.

Its a tremendous honor, Hosek said. To be a part of such a great cause has been a blessing, and I hope our partnership can continue into the future.