Up North: Families hit the backyard fairways at Critter Hill for a cause

Last summer Scott and Mariah Vitiritto glanced at their property and felt it held potential for something greater than growing grass.

"Kind of cut back some woods [we] reclaimed some area and built a golf course," Mariah explained.

That’s when the Critter Hill wiffle ball golf course was born.

All they ask of golfers who want to tee off on the course is to donate to Project Joy, an organization that fights childhood hunger.

This summer they upped their giving back game, hosting their first "For the Kids Open" fundraiser.

"Project Joy is a great organization. We thought this was just a great opportunity to let people come out and have some fun, donate and raise a little money," said Scott Vitiritto.

"We always say it takes a village, and it’s just really amazing to see the community come out and support us," Laura Plys said, the coordinator for Project Joy.

In the end it would turn out to be a full day affair on the fairway.

"We were honestly worried that we wouldn’t have a whole ton of people so this is great," Mariah said. "We had a whole group out at 8:30 this morning already."

After that a steading stream of golfers came out to hit the links.

"We’ve never done this course," Crystal Westberg said. "I’ve heard about this course and we always wanted to try it. Today was the perfect day to do something for the community, and as a family too."

"It was super fun," golfer Alexandra Stoeke said. "The hills were a bit tricky but otherwise I really enjoyed it."

Local businesses also donated raffle prizes for the Vitiritto’s tournament, which they hope to make an annual event.

"Always great to know that we have things lined up to keep the moneys coming in, so that we can keep giving the moneys out," Plys said.

"This is a great place. You should bring everyone here, it’s super fun," Stoeke added.