The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to partner with Seven Canyons Golf Resort to present a one-night only special premiere of the new documentary “The Founders” on Thursday, June 22, at 4 and 7 p.m. at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.
Both screenings will be followed by a Q-and-A with Betsy King, LPGA golfer for 28 years.
They were not supposed to be athletes. They were not supposed to get paid to play. They were not supposed to call the shots. But in 1950, 13 amateur women golfers battled society, finances and sometimes even each other to stake their claim to become professional sportswomen.
Over time, these women would be recognized as true icons of sport and equality.
This is the story of “The Founders.”
LPGA golfer Betsy King will lead a discussion and Q-and-A session after both screenings of “The Founders.”
Betsy King played on the LPGA tour for 28 years, from 1977 through 2005. During that time, she won 34 tournaments including six major championships. She is a member of both the LPGA and World Golf Hall of Fames. She has met and knows a number of the 13 Founders of the LPGA including Patty Berg, Louise Suggs, Marilyn Smith, Marlene Hagge and Shirley Spork.
King has always had a charitable heart volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She has traveled internationally to Romania to visit orphanages and to Honduras to build homes. She founded Golf Fore Africa in early 2007 following a life-changing trip to Rwanda, Kenya and Zambia in October 2006.
To date Golf Fore Africa has donated $5 million to fund various projects in Africa. GFA is raising funds to bring clean water, improved sanitation and hygiene education to 200 communities in Zambia. King’s desire is to enlist golfers around the world to join the fight for clean water.
On Friday, June 23, the day after this film screening, Seven Canyons Golf Resort will host a Golf Fore Africa golf outing with Betsy King. Proceeds from the event will be used to bring clean water to rural villages in Zambia. Call Seven Canyons at 203-2005 for more information or to sign up for the event.
“The Founders” will show at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Thursday, June 22, at 4 and 7 p.m. followed by a Q-and-A after both shows.
Tickets are $12, or $9 for Film Festival members. Call 282-1177 for tickets and more information. Both the theatre and film festival office are located at 2030 W. SR 89A, in West Sedona. Visit SedonaFilmFestival.org for tickets and information.
