SALAMANCA — The Higgins Memorial Golf Tournament Fund at the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation made possible over $5,000 in grants in 2019, including a recent $3,000 grant to Empire Animal Rescue Society (EARS) in Salamanca.

The Higgins Memorial Golf Tournament hosts golfers in competition in memory of the late Frank W. Higgins II and Frank W. Higgins III, with proceeds raised benefitting charitable and community organizations in the region each year.

EARS has been a major benefactor of the Higgins Memorial Fund for a number of years as the organization has become one of a deep connection for Frank Higgins, who established the fund and organizes the annual tournament with the rest of the Higgins Memorial committee.

“EARS is special to me because I rescued my dog, Brady, through EARS with the help of Courtney [Valent],” Higgins said. “I had reached out to them because I wanted a dog who was maybe a couple years old, and they came up with the absolute perfect dog.

“Brady is my best friend. We walk every day and are always together,” he added. “That is why EARS has become such a passion for me.”

EARS volunteers have also helped the Higgins Memorial Golf Tournament and the two groups have formed a strong bond and partnership, Higgins said.

“Every year, EARS comes to the tournament to run a Chinese auction and brings down some of the pets looking for adoption,” he said. “We have been able to help adopt out a couple of pets every year through the Higgins Memorial. It has just been a great fit between us.”

The Higgins Memorial Golf Tournament has made possible $13,500 in grants to support EARS over the years.

Donations can be made to the Higgins Memorial Golf Tournament Fund at CRCF, 301 North Union St., Suite 203, or online at cattfoundation.org.

To learn more, call (716) 301-CRCF (2723), email foundation@cattfoundation.org or visit online at www.cattfoundation.org. CRCF is also on Facebook (facebook.com/cattfoundation) and Twitter (@CattFoundation).