The third annual Stanley Liang Memorial Golf Tournament recently raised more than $1,800 for Sunshine Services in Sun City, a group that assists residents with wheel chair and other health-related items. The tournament that included 72 players was held at the Quail Run Golf Course. Last year the tournament donated nearly $1,700 to the organization.

Stanley Liang and his wife, Linda, moved to Sun City in 2013 from West Lebanon, NH. As business owners in New Hampshire, they embraced the concept of giving back to their community and they have continued that tradition in Sun City.

Stanley Liang loved golf and although he never got a hole-in-one, he was a familiar sight on courses all over Sun City in this orange knickers, matching hat, white shirt and socks. The Liang’s also were known for their annual beer and beef Memorial Day festivities where friends, old and new, gathered. The family has continued that tradition as part of the memorial golf tournament.

Although the Liang family has over the years demonstrated its support for Sunshine Services with their personal donations, the memorial golf tournament has enhanced their contributions. Sunrise Services was formed in 1961, after some area residents were appointed to the Sunshine Committee to help residents who were unable to pay their $40 Recreation Centers of Sun City dues, according to the organization’s brochure. Four members of the former Sun City Civic Association, now the Sun City Homeowners Association, each contributed $40 to establish a fund for the Sunshine Committee. From there, a Sick and Visiting Committee was established led by the Rev. E. Duane Thistlethwaite.

After learning that a Sun City resident had to rent a hospital bed for $35 for one month, the committee purchased three hospital beds as well as other second-hand equipment. In addition, Sun City residents also donated items and the first bed and wheelchair was loaned out in April 1962, the organization’s brochure stated. In 1965, the Del Webb company donated a building site and constructed the first Sunshine building on Coggins Drive; it had $8,000 worth of equipment. Then in 1971, Del Webb again donated land and constructed a building at 9980 Santa Fe Drive, its current residence. The organization has 22,000 square feet to house everything from medical beds, to wheelchairs, to bedside commodes, crutches, walkers and rollaway beds. And it is all free.

Although there is no charge for the equipment, donations are appreciated and that is where the Liang family stepped in. Stanley’s wife Linda and their three children, their spouses and 10 grandchildren three years ago planned the memorial tournament with an eye to donations for Sunshine Services and they accomplished their goal. The Liang family, which now includes two great grandchildren, have already made a commitment to hold another tournament next year.

Following the tournament, the beer and beef tradition continued with beef rounds sizzling on the grill with side dishes, salads and a table full of desserts nearby. In addition to the usual tournament challenges, like the longest putt and most accurate drive, there were some memorable moments like stopping on hole No. 4 shortly after teeing off to toast Stanley; the Liang family home is next to the fairway. On hole No. 5, players had to use Stanley’s specially designed putter to sink the ball in the cup.