Habitat for Humanity holds golf marathon
Published 8:00 am Thursday, November 17, 2011
Dedicated volunteers support their organizations in three ways. They offer their time, talents, and financial resources. These words spoken by Geri Riegel, Chairman of the 7th Annual Greene County Habitat for Humanity Golf Marathon, set the tone of the day for this year’s Golf Marathon. On Oct. 17, Habitat Board Chairman, Theresa Kemp announced that fifteen golf teams and hundreds of donors, raised enough funds to build one of the houses including land that will be built this coming Spring. With the success of this year’s fund-raising efforts the organization should be able to build two houses next Spring. Truly a remarkable accomplishment, one worthy of high praise for all who took part in organizing the outing, those participating, and those who donated. It was an outstanding show of support by local residents and friends near and far.
Grand prize for the most money raised was four days and three nights, with golf, at Atlantis in the Bahamas. The “Movable Obstructions” team captained by Rick von Haam won this award. Other members were Ham Cornett, Tom Wojnas, Ray Handlan, and Al Cristofaro. Second place awards went to the “Rotary of Greene and Putnam Counties” team captained by John Baird. Other team members were Micki Tanner-Baird, Tom and Pat Ware, and Alex Falanga. Third place awards went to the “Fabulous Four” team captained by Jill Suchik. Other team members were Kathryn Handlan, Donna Young, and Jill Bandel. The President’s Award for raising funds without a team went to Denis Pepin.
Mr. Paul O’Neil, former CEO of Kerzner International was extended special thanks for providing the grand prize for the team raising the most money. Mr. O’Neil has been an ongoing supporter of Habitat for Humanity and other fund-raising events in the lake Oconee area for the past several years. Special Thanks were extended to Jerry and Kelli Fowler of LoanSouth Mortgage for sponsoring the marathon and providing a player swag bag, snacks and beverages for each participant. Thanks were also extended to Laura O’Brien of The Atlanta Shoe Market for providing the bags to hold the goodies and Bob Coletta for providing golf bags for each player.
Greene County Habitat for Humanity is a nondenominational Christian Ministry working in partnership with the community and future homeowners to provide decent, affordable, and safe housing for those in need. For additional information about Habitat contact Elaine Mathews at (706) 453-1718 or volunteer@gchabitat.com.