United Way Golf Tournament Raises More than $20,000

The United Way of Anderson County (UWAC) hosted its annual golf tournament on Saturday, May 7^th at the Oak Ridge Country Club. 

"The golfers always have a great time and give much needed support to our community through their generosity to United Way of Anderson County," said David Wilson, tournament chairman. "Of course this would not be possible without the support of our sponsors, committee members Martha Drewry, Pete Peterson and Larry Garner, and our wonderful volunteers to make it such a successful event." 

First Place Team: Sam Krakoviac, Keith Newport, Jody Waddell and Jonathan Cox.

Eighteen teams of four players competed for first, second and third place.  The team of Jonathan Cox, Keith Newport, Sam Krakoviac and Jody Waddell took home the first place prize. UT-Battelle ORNL, one of the tournament sponsors won second place. Their team consisted of Bryan Kendrick, Greg Turner, Jimmy Stone and Bryce Kendrick. Rounding out the top three went to the third place team of Buzz Patrick, John Eschenburg, Tim Trapuzzano and Ted Sherry. Each player on the first place team received an Oak Ridge Country Club pro-shop credit and an engraved, framed, and matted print of golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer from the National Augusta tournament. Second and third place teams received a certificate to be used as pro-shop credit at The Oak Ridge Country Club.

Buzz Patrick perfects the putt. Looks good!

The registration fee included lunch and dinner, green fees, snacks and beverages. Each player received a custom golf towel sponsored by Ben's Home Centers and Methodist Medical Center.  Lunch was provided by Wilson Scientific Services, Inc., MK Wilson. Dinner was catered by Judy Dodd Catering.

"The money we raise through special events, such as the golf tournament, goes a long way in helping support our 35 community partners," said Rick Morrow, executive director for United Way of Anderson County.

Additional prizes were for closest to the hole on the four par 3's and a putting contest. Sponsors for those contests included Kathy Wilson of Wilson Scientific & M.K. Wilson & Associates, Dr. Brett Jaffrey with Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, First Tennessee, TNBank and Y-12 Federal Credit Union.

Martha Drewry knows the importance of snacks.

Sponsors for the over-all tournament were WSI - Oak Ridge, SAIC, UT-Battelle, Bechtel Jacobs, B&W Y-12, USEC and Y-12 Federal Credit Union.  Hole-in-one prizes were sponsored by Sexton Automotive Group, Peter's Jewelers, Dr. Richard M. Hughes, DMD and SunTrust Bank. Centennial Village Development, LLC sponsored the beverage cart. 

Hole sponsors included Cintas, Comfort Inn, Enrichment Federal Credit Union, G2 Engineering & Management, Joyce, Meredith, Flintcroft and Normand, Oliver's Restaurant, ORNL Federal Credit Union, Proforma DHJ Promotions and Pugh & Company, P.C.  Companies providing additional donations included Eagle and Cherokee Distributing, Belinda Aurin with Realty 100, Food Lion, Wal-Mart, Food City and Kroger. 

Thanks to all those who particapted! We look forward to seeing you next year at the 2012 Golf Tournament!! 

                                          To view other photos click here.

Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties (ADFAC) is currently gearing up for their annual School Supply Program for kindergarten through 12^th grade students who live anywhere in Anderson County.  The goal of this program is to provide eligible children with the supplies requested by their teachers in order to help them get a great start in school.  In 2010, more than 1400 children were served by this program.  The distribution days will occur in July and August prior to the start of the Oak Ridge, Clinton, and Anderson County school systems.  (ADFAC recognizes the unique year-round school schedule at Willow Brook by providing a special 2-day distribution during mid-July for Willow Brook students and their siblings.)

There are several aspects of this program that make it different from any other school supply program.  Probably the most unique aspect of the program involves the ADFAC staff getting the actual school supply lists from every class at every elementary and middle school in Anderson County.  (High School students are served with a general supply list, because they don't usually receive the required supply lists for particular classes until after the school year begins.)  Also, in this program, students do not receive a generic backpack already filled with supplies.  When a student comes through the distribution center, s/he is able to pick out his own new backpack from a wide array of colors and styles.  Then, the student is matched to the school and grade that he will be entering in the fall, and the student is allowed to go through the distribution center picking out the school supplies that are required for his particular class.  This allows each child to personally choose the colors and types of different items according to his list.

ADFAC often hears from parents afterwards about how much their children enjoyed making their own choices, and how much pride they have taken in their new belongings.  The parents express appreciation for the opportunity it has given for their children to have brand new supplies on the first day of school.  What a difference it makes for these children to be able to proudly raise their hands when the teacher asks who has brought in their required supplies.  The confidence built by being equal to the other children in a class on the first days of school is immeasurable!

ADFAC is able to provide this program through the kind support of grants from Altrusa/Oak Ridge Breakfast Rotary, Variety of Eastern Tennessee, the Todd Helton Foundation, the Aslan Foundation, and Delta Dental.  However, the agency is always dependent upon the generosity of the local community to be able to serve as many families as they do.  Fortunately, many local businesses, organizations, churches, and individuals usually give generous contributions each year or provide collection sites for donated supplies, which are then transported to ADFAC for distribution.  Any group or individual interested in providing monetary support or conducting a collection site for supplies is encouraged to contact Doris Doherty at 483-6028, ext, 106, for more information.  Supplies will be accepted through August 12, 2011.

Families who can provide proof that they reside in Anderson County and receive Food Stamps or their school-age children receive free or reduced lunch are probably eligible to participate in this important program.  If you know of any family who might benefit from participation, please have them call 483-6028 and provide a parent name, SS#, and a valid phone number for a return call and appointment.

ADFAC is a local, non-profit organization committed to assisting families in need.  For more information about ADFAC, please visit the website:  www.adfac.org. 

CASA of the Tennessee Heartland's annual "Take a Chance for CASA's Kids" raffle chances are now on sale at the CASA offices and select ORNL FCU branches. This year is a 50/50 raffle - the winner will get 50% of the proceeds.
 

All chances are $5 each or 25 for $100. Drawing will be held June 25th in Huntsville, TN - you do NOT have to be present to win! Winner will be contacted by 2pm on Saturday, June 25th.

CASA volunteers are everyday citizens judges appoint to advocate for the safety and well-being of children who have been removed from their homes due to parental abuse and neglect. They stand up for these children and change their lives.

For more information about the "Take a Chance for CASA's Kids" raffle or on how you can be a CASA advocate, please visit their website at www.casatnh.org or contact the office at 865.425.0888. 

The Museum of Appalachia, founded in 1969 by John Rice Irwin, portrays an authentic mountain farm/village with some three dozen historic log structures, exhibit buildings filled with thousands of authentic Appalachian artifacts, gardens surrounded by split rail fences, and farm animals in a picturesque setting.

There are over 300 members in the Pillar Society who combined to give more than $400,000 to United Way during this past campaign.

"It's going to be a memorable evening and we do not want any of our Pillars to miss out!" said Rick Morrow, executive director.