Lions’ Golf Classic Raises More Than $50,000
The Avalon Lions Charities Foundation celebrated a decade of giving when it held its 10th annual Charity Golf Classic on Sunday, June 24. More than 140 golfers hit the links to enjoy a beautiful day of golf at Avalon Golf Club and helped the Lions raise more than $50,000 to benefit the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children.
“We could not have done this without so many people realizing how important the Diller Home is to Avalon and Cape May County,” said Mike Sowers, immediate past president of the Avalon Lions Club. “The club members who worked behind the scenes by asking for donations, making baskets of cheer and organizing the day’s events were the key to making it all happen. The planning began in the winter months and never stopped until the first ball was teed up.”
Before the shotgun start and scramble at noon, golfers enjoyed a barbecue lunch while browsing the various silent-auction and raffle items up for grabs. The items included baskets of cheer, overnight stays in area hotels and sports memorabilia such as basketballs signed by Villanova coach Jay Wright and Temple coach Fran Dunphy.
Following the round of golf, everyone enjoyed the cocktail reception and awards ceremony that included awards presented for the longest drive, closest to the hole and team scoring. Each golfer received a thermal goody bag and a Legacy Terry Fleece courtesy of one of the event sponsors, Worldwide Jet.
6ABC meteorologist Chris Sowers and retired CBS3 reporter Robin Mackintosh served as the emcees for the live auction that included tours of CBS3 and 6ABC studios. This year’s special guest was former Eagles Pro Bowl defensive end Trent Cole, who added a signed football, helmet and Eagles jerseys to the auction items.
The tournament was sponsored by various businesses and organizations, including Worldwide Jet, The Flynn Family, JAK securities, Holy Redeemer Health System, Frank and Patricia Hallinan, Shannon Chemical Corporation, 7 Mile Publishing and Creative, Brandywine Developers and Wawa, to name a few.
“The event was the most successful in the club’s history and the support we receive for the kids is truly amazing,” said Sowers.
The Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children has provided an all-expense-paid week of summer camp for blind and visually impaired children ages 7-15 since 1972. Through the generous donations of the Avalon Lions Club, area businesses and donors, campers have an opportunity to engage in activities with kids just like them such as trips to Morey’s Pier and the Cape May County Zoo, and to enjoy treats at local ice cream parlors and days at the beach.
The Avalon Lions Club has more than 150 members and continues to grow each year while also supporting local charities in need. In addition to the Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children, the Lions Club supports charities in Cape May County such as CARA, CASA, Habitat for Humanity, Lazarus House, Holy Redeemer Food Bank and Toys for Tots.
For more information about the Avalon Lions Charities Foundation, go to avalonlions.com.
