Aspire of WNY hit the greens once again on Monday, June 2nd, for our annual Going Fore the Green golf tournament at Park Country Club in Williamsville! While the sun mostly stayed behind the clouds, nothing could dampen the energy as golfers from all over Western New York came together for a day filled with golf, great food, fantastic company, and most importantly, to raise crucial funds supporting Aspire of WNY’s mission: helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities reach their full potential and live as independently as possible.
The day started with a warm welcome as golfers arrived, enjoyed some lunch, and picked out their tournament gifts. This year’s lineup of goodies included a three-month membership to Gimme Golf, six months at Paddock Golf Dome & Driving Range, an Under Armour fleece and golf ball set, and a six-month membership to Oliver’s Bourbon Club. Plus, everyone got complimentary cigars and golf balls right at the door—not a bad way to start the day!
But the fun didn’t stop there! Guests tried their luck with basket raffles, 50/50 drawings, and the ever-popular Joker Board, adding plenty of excitement before tee time. The premium raffle prizes were a big hit, including a Labatt Blue golf bag stuffed with assorted liquors (our “Barrel of Booze”) and a casino night getaway at Seneca Niagara Casino.
Once everyone was settled in their carts, Park Country Club’s golf pro Tommy gave a quick refresher on the rules, and Aspire of WNY President and CEO Renee Filip officially welcomed the group. Renee introduced Sean, one of the amazing individuals we support, who wowed the crowd with an electric Jimi Hendrix-style performance of the National Anthem. With that, golfers took off in a shotgun start for a scramble-format round under perfectly cool and comfortable skies—perfect golfing weather!
Throughout the day, beverage carts stocked with refreshments (including generous donations from Labatt) and beverage huts kept everyone fueled. After their rounds, golfers gathered in the clubhouse for an open bar and buffet dinner—complete with a raw seafood bar and plenty of opportunities to relax and catch up with one another.
The evening got even more lively when Renee invited Sean back to the mic for a surprise dinner performance of Summer of ’69 by Bryan Adams, adding a little rock ‘n’ roll to the night’s festivities. By the end of his performance, the whole crowd was singing and swaying along with him! Renee then wrapped up the evening by announcing the tournament champions — congratulations to the foursome from Walsh Duffield! She also expressed her gratitude to everyone who helped make the event such a success.
“We are so thankful for the incredible support we receive year after year,” said Filip. “Because of our sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who joins us, we’re able to continue providing programs that help the people we support live full, independent lives.”
A huge thank you to this year’s generous sponsors who made it all happen: Aries Transportation, Bond Schoeneck & King, Enterprise Fleet Management, Express Tire, Fenton Mobility, Founders Holding Company, Heritage Contract Flooring, Keller Technology Corporation, KeyBank, Parkview Health Services, People First Mobility, PRM, Quantum Rehab, Rich Products Corporation, Rodriguez Construction Group, Rusiniak’s Service Inc., Rupp Pfalzgraf LLC, The Bonadio Group, T-Mark Plumbing Heating Cooling & Electric, Toshiba, Tri-Main, Unifirst, USI, and Walsh Duffield.
