Thank You

Thank you so much to all who supported Golf for Autism 2011. I’m happy to report that, with your generous contributions, we were able to raise nearly $9,000! Autism Speaks-Chicagoland (http://communities.autismspeaks.org/chicago) and three local organizations in Northwest Indiana-MAAP Services for Autism & Asperger Syndrome (www.facebook.com/maapservices), National Autism Association of Northwest Indiana (www.northwestindianaautism.com) and Northwest Indiana Families for Effective Autism Treatment (www.infeat.org) will benefit from these contributions.  As I am, these organizations are very appreciative of the support and generosity.  The money will be spent wisely and in various ways-i.e. events, support groups, and research.

The support for this event has been overwhelming. We had 36 hole sponsors, one event sponsor, 29 foursomes, and lots of volunteers. I can’t express my gratitude enough. Having such a successful event and all the support makes it worth all the hard work, time and effort it takes in putting this outing together.
 
I’d like to thank the following people for help during the event: Sally Sciackitano, Nicole Schmelter, Jeanette Burr, Mary Jo Jacobsma, Meg Blahunka, Pam Stiener, Kim Stiener, Amie Patterson, Barb Sobek, and Kay Summers.  John Hagerman, Larry Hagerman, Angie & Bill Krout, and Marco Moreno were a huge help getting the silent auction set up.  Brenton was a big help taking pictures and Jordan and Cece did a fine job picking the winning tickets. Without everyone’s help, we wouldn’t have been able to pull it off. Each one of them played an important role throughout the day.

Barb Sobek and Katie Hans were a great big help in getting donations for prizes and silent auction items. Representatives from MAAP Services (Sue Moreno, Victoria Malone and Angie Krout) spent a lot of time getting hole sponsors and donations for the silent auction, as well.
 
I’d also like to thank the sponsors and donors.  Check out the “Sponsor/Donate” tab for a complete list of hole sponsors, event sponsors and generous donors. George Moisoff, the professional long driver, helped in raising funds by having his contest at the first hole.  Jeanette Burr and ST&T, at no surprise, was very supportive of the event, as well.

Others who deserve a great big thank you  for donating items for prizes and/or silent auction items include Jeremy Allen with Region Corn Hole, Brandon Kersey with “Rock Bottom Golf” (www.rockbottomgolf.com), John Alexander with Brax Spirit Cups (www.braxfundraising.com), Pat McGrath with Black Industrial, Mike Buchler and Rich Buchler, Brian Sciackitano with Estrakon (www.estrakon.com), Kim Orelove with Ulta, Michael Mahoney with Simple Green, Mark Riester with Gallagher Materials,  and Jessica Kish with Citizens Bank.

 Matt Langel has been a tremendous help for designing the website and keeping it up to date.

Be sure to check out all the pictures (click the ‘Flickr’ icon on the PHOTOS tab) and the winning foursomes on the WINNERS tab.