United Way of Porter County annual golf outing raised more than $57,000 on Monday, May 21 thanks to the support of more than 50 businesses and 140 golfers, selling out the event.
In spite of the rain more than 120 golfers showed up to enjoy the event’s new look and feel. This was the first time the event was hosted by the Valparaiso Country Club and featured a Party on the Green theme featuring food and drink sample tents throughout the 18-hole course.
“We support education, health and income stability for every single resident of Porter County,” said Kim Olesker, president & CEO of United Way of Porter County. “Annually, we put approximately 2.4 million dollars back into the community thanks to the support of community-minded businesses every day.”
This year’s event was lead and organized by Jack Elia, Assistant General Manager at Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa.
After the participants enjoyed lunch and perused the silent auction items, the rain held off long enough for opening ceremonies to commence and the 18-hole scramble to begin. The scramble is a tourney for longest drive, longest putt, closest to pin and best score for first place. This year’s tournament winners were:
- Scramble winner – Robert Scheller, Merrillville Assistant Chief of Police Jim Donahue, Natalie Achten and Larry Achten (Lake Porter Physician Group team)
- Peoria winner – Chris Mallonee, Chuck Lager, Scott Oostman and Damian Rico (The Times Media team)
- Mens’ Longest Drive – Tom Gurgess (Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits team)
- Mens’ Closest to Pin & Longest Putt - Jason Topp (Hoeppner, Wagner & Evans team)
- Ladies’ Longest Drive - Natalie Achten (Lake Porter Physician Group team)
- Ladies’ Closest to Pin - Ahna Dunn (NITCO team)
- Ladies’ Longest Putt – Judy Kukelka (StoryPoint team)
Last year alone, United Way supported 65 safety net programs impacting more than 69,000 Northwest Indiana residents. These programs ensure people in dire financial situations, those with mental health and drug addiction issues, those in need of a safe place to live and more receive the services they need most to get back on their feet. To learn more about United Way of Porter County, please visit http://unitedwaypc.org.