United Way of Porter County has been providing support and the building blocks for a better quality of life for the Northwest Indiana community for more than 60 years. This year, one of their most loved events, the Annual Golf Classic: Party on the Green, is taking place at The Course at Aberdeen in Valparaiso, but in a new and interesting way.
Kasandra Tenbarge, Director of Development at United Way of Porter County, said that the typical one-day event has become an anytime golf scramble now through September 18, and event proceeds will go to sustain 10 Porter County mental health services supporting more than 3,800 households and the need is only getting greater.
“Because of the pandemic, this year’s golf classic looks a little different than it has in past years,” Tenbarge said. “Like many other organizations, we have had to rethink entirely how our events look. Instead of one large group outing, we reimagined the golf classic to an anytime golf scramble where you purchase flex passes ahead of time and then play at your leisure by contacting Aberdeen golf course to schedule a tee time, allowing golfers to be appropriately social distancing."
“Then Aberdeen will track participants’ scores to rank them for prizes and, even, compete to putt for $10,000,” she said.
Registration includes an 18-hole team scramble, golf cart, food, drinks, and a free 9-hole round of golf. Flex pass holders are able to play on weekday afternoons (Monday-Friday) starting at 1 p.m., now through September 18.
The most amazing part about this year’s golf classic is the fact that at least 70 percent of the proceeds taken from flex pass purchases are going directly back to the community.
United Way of Porter County funds many critical programs in the community. During the pandemic, one of their main focuses is mental health.
“It’s no secret that people have felt stressed and overburdened during the pandemic, which has unfortunately caused spikes in things like domestic violence. People now more than ever need counseling and mental health services to help cope with the extra stresses. The need really can’t be any more evident and that’s why we want to help,” Tenbarge said.
United Way of Porter County is looking to raise $50,000 to support Porter County mental health services assisting residents adversely affected by COVID-19.
The following organizations are United Way’s 2020 COVID Relief Pacesetter Organizations.
“We want to thank these organizations again for their early and continued support of our mission,” she said. “We are determined and excited to make a difference in the community with this event, along with others like the Don Quijote Meals on Wheels Benefit Dinner on Sunday, August 16th and the Summer Six Wine Party.”
United Way of Porter County is still accepting sponsorships from local organizations for their events. To learn more or purchase your own flex pass(es), please visit https://www.unitedwaypc.org/golfclassic.
