Raising money for non-profit organizations can be challenging in the best of times. However, during this pandemic, when the need is so great in so many areas and resources are more limited, these organizations have to be creative and flexible.
Faced with these challenges and at the mercy of the weather, the Glen Lakes Veterans and Friends Association, still had a successful event last month. Their fourth annual Golf Outing raised approximately $44,000 – a tidy sum considering the volunteers planning the event were not able to do as much face-to-face solicitation for door prizes and cash donations because of Covid-19 restrictions.
Bad weather also hampered the event. Because it rained on Veterans’ Day, when they usually have the event, the golfers played on Tuesday, November 10th and Sunday, November 15th. This also allowed the golfers to social distance. A silent auction took place throughout the week.
The response from local individuals and businesses was overwhelming. Among the businesses and citizens that acted as “Hole Sponsors,” gave cash donations or contributed prizes and gift certificates for the silent auction and the raffle were: Jim & Lynn Dufrane; Marshfield Community Foundation; Rick & Nancy Merkel; Golinski Tax Advisors LLC; Florida Tax Advisors LLC; American Executive Tax and Financial Services; K9 Partners for Patriots; Affordable Golf Carts; Taylor Family (Yoopers); Ralph Paulsen Re/Max Hall of Fame; Denny, Bill, Bun & Dean Blum; Crystal Chrysler Dodge Jeep; Crystal Harley Davidson; Lowman Law Firm; Edgewater Endodontics; George & Audrey Friel; Theresa’s Rings & Things; O’Sullivan, DeLuca & Ressel Dental Care; Air Source Cooling & Heating; The Medical & Surgical Eye Center; Joseph P. Nagy, CPA; Access Healthcare Physicians; Village Toyota; Village Cadillac; Donna Robbins-Jordan & Corey A. Jordan; Linen Service Experts LLC; Dougherty & Associates LLC; Downing Funeral Home & Cremation Services; Brooksville American Legion Post 186; Rick Matthews Buick GMC; and Accent Carpet & Tile.
On Saturday, November 14, volunteers, guests, golfers and donors were invited to a reception and buffet at the Glen Lakes Golf and Country Club. The festivities began with the presentation of the colors by representatives of the Marine Corps League 708. Afterward, Ron Ford, chairman of this year’s golf outing welcomed everyone and thanked them for their help in making the event a success.
Dennis Blum, Ron Ford, and George Friel presented a check for $7,000 to Mary Ann Keckler, Commander of Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Post 67. This represented the payoff of a new van that the Glen Lakes Veterans and Friends Association had purchased for the post last year. The DAV uses the vehicle to transport veterans to the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa.
Ms. Keckler stated, “There are not enough words to express our gratitude. I’ve never worked with such an awesome group of people that work together so well.”
After the formal ceremonies, the guests enjoyed a buffet of assorted entrees, salads and desserts. They also had a chance to bid on gift baskets donated by various businesses.
Glen Lakes Veterans and Friends Association is a shining example of what a relatively small group of dedicated people can accomplish to help the community and make people’s lives better.
