Writer Lara Piu
Images Provided by Scottsdale Active 20-30

[dropcap]M[/dropcap]ark your calendar for one of the Valley’s oldest charitable golf tournaments, NiteFlite. Now in its 28th year, the event is slated to live up to its long-standing reputation as a fun-filled weekend for a great cause.

“When the event began more than two decades ago, it was just an overnight golf tournament,” recalls NiteFlite chairman Skyler Irvine. “It has now evolved into a two-day event with nearly 2,000 people attending the golf and gala combined.”

Held by the Scottsdale Active 20-30 Club October 13 and 14, the affair starts Friday with a golf tournament at McCormick Ranch Golf Course and culminates with a larger-than-life gala at The W Scottsdale the following evening.

“This year we are moving the gala to The W Scottsdale for a more formal affair than years past, and our golf tournament will take place at McCormick Ranch Golf Course for the first time,” says Irvine.

The formal, red-carpet affair will be stocked with paparazzi, street magic, a three-card monte, speed painting and break dancing. Live entertainment will be provided by Super Hero, and food and drinks will be donated by some of the best restaurants in the Valley.

But it’s not just about fanfare, Irvine says. He looks forward to remembering where it all started.

“I really enjoy seeing the founding members of the Scottsdale 20/30 at our events because we wouldn’t be raising the type of money we are if not for them,” he explains.

The two events will benefit all of the charities the Scottsdale Active 20-30 Club supports, especially the Arizona chapter of Playworks, the main beneficiary. This non-profit works to reduce playground bullying and conflicts and improves school climate through fun, healthy, inclusive games and physical activity.

“Playworks is an incredible organization because of how much impact they have with so few resources,” he explains. “They leverage every tool available to them to reach more kids and improve more schools than I would have ever thought possible.”

The impact of teaching conflict resolution will last a lifetime, Irvine says. “Not to mention the burden they take off the shoulders of the hardworking teachers, and the anxiety they remove from nervous kids afraid of recess,” he adds.

Organizers expect attendance to break records this year. Last year, these two events raised nearly $400,000.

“The NiteFlite Gala continues to grow year over year and as a club, we strive to improve the event so that each year we are offering something new,” Irvine says. “Our number one goal is to continue raising money for local children’s charities, and we understand that we need to provide our guests with a fantastic experience so that next year they not only want to return, but also want to bring their friends.”

2030nf.org