ARLINGTON — The second annual Ragin’ Ray Golf Tournament fundraiser boasted more than $7,000 raised and more than 90 participants at the Gleneagle Golf Course on Aug. 11.

“We had outstanding support from the community,” said Lianna Neyens, co-founder and owner of Firefighters’ Wives, which co-sponsors the tournament each year along with Marysville Local 3219.

The Ragin’ Ray Golf tournament began in 2011 as a way to raise funds for Marysville Fire District firefighter Ray Hancock, who was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, in 2010. Hancock has been working for the district for nearly 20 years.

“My husband is a firefighter who worked with Ray,” said Neyens. Neyens began Firefighters’ Wives with Kara Tucker, whose husband Jeff Tucker works with Hancock at the Marysville Fire District, as a way to show support for firefighters — especially those who are suffering from career-ending circumstances such as Hancock’s diagnosis.

“We just want to show our support to those who risk their lives everyday for our safety,” said Neyens. The golf tournament is in its second year and raised more than $7,000.

“This is our first year at Gleneagle,” said Neyens. “Gleneagle was very accommodating and generous with their golf course and food service the day of the event.”

Ninety-three golfers competed and dozens of local businesses and fire districts sponsored the event, including several local businesses that donated raffle items and a separate raffle hosted by Sunrise Dental in Marysville. All of the raffle proceeds were immediately donated to Hancock and his family.

“Most of our hole sponsors were other local fire departments,” said Neyens, who included Marysville, Arlington, Getchell, Lake Stevens and Bremerton as department locals who sponsored holes. “It’s really exceptional to see their support.”

Hancock himself came to the tournament and was overwhelmed by the show of support from his community. “There’s just no words to describe it,” said Hancock. “To see everybody come out on a Saturday to support me and my family was just awesome.”

Gleneagle Golf Course provided a barbecue following the tournament and local musician Jim Brunkhorst volunteered his time to perform at the event.

“The band was donated at the last minute, which was a nice surprise,” said Neyens.

The third annual Ragin’ Ray Golf Tournament has already been scheduled for Sept. 7. 2013, also at Gleneagle Golf Course. “We had a little less participation than last year, and I think it’s because it was scheduled for a summer Saturday and a lot of people were on vacation. We hope to have a little more next year,” said Neyens.

Despite a slightly smaller turnout than the inaugural event, Neyens was still impressed with the level of commitment to Hancock. “It’s really amazing that even people who don’t know Ray, but who have heard of him, are coming out to support him. It’s outstanding,” she said.

For more information on the Ragin’ Ray Golf Tournament, visit www.firefighterswives.net.