Some people can only dream of going to work to eat fresh burgers off the grill, sample adult beverages, win prizes, and golf with some of their closest friends. The United Way of Porter County’s Annual Golf Classic: Party on the Green made that possible for many men and women this past Monday! The event took place at Valparaiso Country Club and served as the kickoff for the organization’s 2018 fundraising campaign.
After the participants indulged in the buffet line and the silent auction, the open ceremonies commenced, and then the 18-hole scramble began. UWPC offered prizes to golfers based on their longest drive, longest putt, closest to pin, and the first place team. Participants could also stop along the course to enjoy the foods and drinks vendors offered. No rain was stopping these golfers from enjoying giving back to charity!
Kim Olesker, CEO and President of United Way of Porter County (UWPC), explained that the money raised goes right back into the community.
“We support education, income stability, and health for every single resident of Porter County,” said Olesker. “We’re there when floods happen, when partners need us, when moms need help. We’ve put almost 2.4 million dollars back out into the community and we couldn’t do it without the community’s support, like from these businesses today.”
The event saw an increase in participants from 114 golfers in 2017 to 140 golfers in 2018. More than 50 businesses sponsored and community volunteers assisted with logistics. When asked why so many individuals were drawn to the event, Director of Development, Kasie Tenbarge shared how United Way’s reputation attracts an increasing number of participants.
“The number one reason people are drawn to United Way at all is because of our impact,” she said. “It’s like a quadruple win. We make sure all of our donor dollars are tied to a specific person or program within the community, and people are very confident that their dollars are being spent so well. It’s really important for us to be able to be involved in the community. It’s really awesome to see how everything comes together and how people are truly generous.”
Last year alone, UWPC supported 65 safety net programs impacting more than 69,000 Northwest Indiana residents. They have ensured that 18,900 people in a dire financial situation had enough food. They have addressed mental health and drug addiction for 1,746 people. They have provided 691 people with a safe place to live and have ensure that 2,222 of our elderly have access to healthcare. UWPC has helped shape 6,790 of our youth to be community leaders and recruited more than 8,000 volunteers to help area nonprofits.
Participants Peter Panagiotidis, Sean Steele, and Kevin Burns have participated in the Annual Golf Classic for at least 7 years and loved all that United Way of Porter County offers its community.
“It’s like a home run. Off work, golf, and contribute. It’s a great charity and it’s a great cause. It’s a good time, and it’s always fun. We never had any negative experiences,” said Panagiotidis. “It’s put together really well. The food’s always good and everything that goes along with it is always great.”
This year’s tournament winners were:
Scramble winner – Lake Porter Physician Group team: Robert Scheller, Larry Achten, Natalie Achten and Merrillville Police Department Assistant Chief Jim Donahue Peoria winner – The Times Media team: Chris Mallonee, Chuck Lager, Scott Oostman and Damian Rico Mens’ Longest Drive – Tom Gurgess (Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits team) Mens’ Closest to the Hole & Longest Putt - Jason Topp (Hoeppner, Wagner & Evans team) Ladies’ Longest Drive - Natalie Achten (Lake Porter Physician Group team) Ladies’ Closest to the Hole - Ahna Dunn (NITCO team) Ladies’ Longest Putt – Judy Kukelka (StoryPoint)
Participants John Monetta and Greg Hoagland of Merit Steel from Kouts were eager to get on the green.
“It was either be at work or come out and golf today in the rain, kind of a no-brainer,” said Hoagland. “[The Classic] is for a good cause. It’s always a good time. Nothing like supporting local organizations.”
To learn more about United Way of Porter County, please visit their website.
