 |
For the many golfers who joined us for our third annual golf event at the Bala country club, the event was more than just golf and sunny skies. It was also a chance for the local business community to come together in support of The Arc of Philadelphia/PDDC mission of enriching the lives of people with developmental disabilities. All proceeds from the event will be used to fund art and music therapy for Arc/PDDC clients. |
Not that the day was lacking in either golf or sunshine. Playing under brilliant blue skies, the golfers could not have asked for a better day. The combined sense of purpose and camaraderie combined for a festive mood even the nastiest hook couldn’t have spoiled.
After a leisurely day of golf, most golfers stayed for dinner, which featured a silent auction hosted by Arc of Philadelphia/PDDC Marketing Director Mike Barnes. Seventeen auction packages were auctioned off, appealing to a wide range of tastes and interests. Auction items included a one-week stay in the Poconos, Bruce Springsteen tickets, and a Williams-Sonoma “Touch of Fall Basket.”One item, a Penn State tailgate package, offered everything necessary for the perfect tailgate: A chrome grill, cooking accessories, and club box tickets to see the Nittany Lions! The package was won by Arc/PDDC supporter Joe Collins, who was pleased to be able to help people with disabilities enjoy art and music therapy.
“This is a great package,” said Mr. Collins. “I am so glad I can donate back to The Arc and walk away with an amazing gift for my friend who is a Penn State Alum. The whole day has been fantastic; I will be back for this great outing which supports a great cause next year.”
Another golfer, Anthony Roth, won tickets to the Eagles-Cowboys game, which he promptly donated back. This act of generosity warmed the entire room of Arc/PDDC supporters. Mr. Roth asked the organization to use these tickets to raise even more funds for our consumers.
Golf Committee co-chair Paul Berenato, who is also on the Board of Directors, said this year the business community really came out for our consumers. He also singled out our sponsors, for whom this event would not have been possible.
“I cannot thank enough our corporate sponsors such as Hanks Beverage, Wachovia Bank, PNC Bank, CraftBilt, and the Tasty Baking Company for all they’ve done to help us bring art and music therapy at PDDC.”
Included among the many golfers were seven high school students from several Philadelphia high schools. Sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Andy Stone, these students were able to able to enjoy a unique experience they would never forget. (Andy Stone is the president of the CraftBilt Corporation.) The students come from Lincoln High School, Girls High, Central High School, and Northeast High School.
Laura Princiotta, PDDC’s Chief Operating Officer, has been the driving force behind the golf event since its inception.”I just want to say a big thank you to all of the staff who worked so hard to make this day happen. We couldn’t do it without them—and they make all that work seem like such fun.”
Mike Potchen, David C, Rowland Hetrick, Donna Legradi, Tina Potchen, Mattie Harrigan, Shirley Watson, Tim Green, Brenda Tingstrom, Lisa Savaria, Elmer Holloway, and Marisol Vasquez all took time from their normal job responsibilities to volunteer to make the day run smoothly.
“If the past is any guide, our fourth golf event will be even more amazing. Each year the support we receive gets larger and larger. I’m already excited to see what next year will bring!”
The Arc of Philadelphia / PDDC • 2350 W. Westmoreland St • Philadelphia, PA 19140 • 215-229-4550
The Arc of Philadelphia/PDDC • 2350 W Westmoreland St • Philadelphia, PA 19140 • 215-229-4550