As the threat of rain gave way to a beautiful day in Michigan City, golfers packed up their carts and prepared to hit the greens for the Paladin Golf Outing.
22 groups of four spread out across the course and began the meticulous task of making the perfect shot. Luckily for beginners, however, the outing was about more than keeping score.
Paladin is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties. Paladin works to provide the highest level of care and independence to individuals of all ages and abilities and provides opportunities for them to find work, form a community, and live life to the fullest.
Paladin relies largely on the generosity of the community for its funding.
“As a not-for-profit, we rely heavily on our community partners in order to do some fundraising to be able to continue our mission of supporting those folks,” President and CEO Steve Hobby said.
The golf outing has become a large part of Paladin’s fundraising efforts, and several businesses and individuals are happy to spend a Friday afternoon on the Michigan City Golf Course to raise money for the organization.
Whether it was through sponsoring a hole or forming a foursome, businesses were eager to lend a hand at this year’s outing. Lunch and dinner were proudly sponsored by Tonn and Blank Construction and prepared by Patrick’s Grille.
Golfers like Nick Pollock, business representative for the Carpenters’ Union, were happy to enjoy an afternoon in the sun but were more excited about what their participation meant to Paladin and its staff. His connection to Tonn and Blank was what brought him to the outing last year, and his appreciation for Paladin’s mission was what called him back for a second time.
“Last year, Paladin was doing an expansion and renovation of its facility in Michigan City and they used Tonn and Blank Construction to do the work. As a representative for the Carpenters’ Union, they utilized our members. Last year, they asked us if we will be kind enough to contribute to their fundraiser and we said yes. We were happy to be invited back this year,” Pollock said.
Over the past 56 years, Paladin (formerly Michiana Resources and Parents and Friends) has established itself as an irreplaceable asset to the La Porte community and beyond. As Paladin continues to expand its list of services for all age groups, many businesses and community members are eager to financially support the organization.
“They serve the community in so many amazing ways. They help a population that deserves love and care and respect and they do a great job of helping them move forward and be part of La Porte County. I think anybody that lives in La Porte supports Paladin and their efforts to help people in our community,” Family Advocates Director Jackie Dermody said.
The perfect weather and refreshing food and drinks were surely a bright part of participants’ days, but for many on the course, the meaning behind the event was the true highlight of the outing.
“It's a no-brainer. They need all the help they can get so they can provide those services to the people that they help. Being able to be here and contribute and donate to the cause I think is the greatest part of today,” Pollock said.
To learn more about Paladin, visit https://paladin.care/.