The weather was perfect to spend time out on the golf course. On July 14, 2011, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County hosted it's 31st Annual Golf Outing at Forest Park Golf Course.
Robin Carey, a volunteer at the golf outing for the last 18 years, said "It's the most fabulous outing and it is for such a good cause."
There were dozens of teams of four out playing a game called "Shotgun Four-Person Scramble". Mayor Jon Costas explained the game, saying "Each person tees off, then all four people shoot every time, only you take your shot from where the best ball lands. The other three people pick up their ball, then shoot where the best ball landed."
Some of the teams of four consisted of: Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas, Indiana State Senator Ed Charbonneau, Indiana State Representative Ed Soliday and the Official Sponsor for the 31st Annual Boys & Girls Club Golf Outing, from M. E. Simpson, Mike Simpson.
Another foursome included: Center Township Trustee Chuck Conover with AJ Monroe, Dave Hollenbeck and Chuck Leer.
Teams also included: Dave Lippens, Scott Lippens, Dave Butterfield and Damon Colby. Lippens said of the outing, "It's always a good day. I've been doing it for all 31 years!"
Including: Jim Lewis, Jerry Bowman, John Lewis and Dr. Larry McAfee. Dr. McAfee said, "It's about having a great time, great comradery, the weather couldn't be more perfect and it's just nice to be off a day of work."
Former Mayor of Valparaiso Brice Billing, Mayor from 1968-1971, came out for the event and said, "I came to the first one 31 years ago, I'm not much of a golfer, but I get to see a lot of my old friends."
There were dozens of team that came out to support the Boys & Girls Clubs Golf Outing, too many to mention, but City Administrator Bill Oeding who also co-chairs the event with John Wolf were leading the action. Oeding said of the event "It always sells out. I've been a volunteer for the past 5 years and it raises a lot of money that goes to a good cause, the Boys & Girls Clubs, and the golf outing is all about having fun supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs."
Tricia Howe, director of the event, included, "It's our 31st Annual Golf Outing for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County and there has been a strong support from the community, sponsors, corporate partners, organizational support and I think this is going to be one of the best years ever for money raised to help the Boys & Girls Clubs."
Corporate Partners and Program Sponsorships include:
Platinum Sponsors: Allen Family, Porter Health, Max and Thelma Dickey, and ArcelorMittal
Gold Sponsors: Harris Bank, Vale Park Animal Hospital, and US Steel
The Official Sponsor of the golf outing was M. E. Simpson. M. E. Simpson is a company that deals with optimizing water system operations and improving waste water system operations. They are a nation wide company with their corporate office located right here in Valpo. Dan Hood and Alex Hood from M. E. Simpson were happy to volunteer and were minding the grill for the hungry golfers. Mike Simpson not only came out to play the shotgun four-person scramble but he is also on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County.
Dennis Papp, from Martin Binder Jeweler, proudly displayed a Rolex watch, which is valued at just over $6,300.00. It was a prize donated for the first lucky person that could hit a "hole-in-one" on hole 10.
Click here to see photos from the event!!!