Since starting this event in 2019 we've raised over $17,000 that has gone to a number of Great causes, including helping a family member and a friend with medical bills, contributing to the Pardee Cancer Center, giving to the Grand Rapids Guiding Light men's recovery ministry, helping a coworker's brother, stricken with Lou Gehrig’s disease, build a wheelchair ramp, and supporting daughter-in-law Alaina's fund raising efforts for the Autism Research Council (in which she ran and completed their annual marathon held in Chicago last October!)  The 2023 event was dedicated to the memory of Charlie’s sister Mavis, a Down Syndrome special needs individual who brought special joy to our lives. In her memory the proceeds went to Trails Edge summer camp developed by C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital for special needs campers on ventilators! We hope our donations over the years have been a blessing to the recipients! 2024's recipient was the Teen Challenge Center of MidMichigan, a highly successful teen and adult addiction recovery program.

While the dollar amount may not be earth shattering, it does represent our family’s effort to live out Jesus’ admonition that true greatness in this world, and the next, is defined by sacrifice and service. “It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant…” Matthew 20:26. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13. We might not be great golfers, but we can know something of what it takes to be great where it really matters!