August 2, 2021 was a sunny, balmy morning as 65 golfers began signing in and buying mulligans for The Arc of Delaware 29th Annual Tournament at Hartefeld National Golf Club in Avondale, PA.

Amid smiles and anticipation, gift packs were distributed, along with event t-shirts. Foursomes had lunch or practiced on the putting green before assembling at their assigned hole for the scrambled shotgun start.

Competition heated up with various incentives throughout the day, such as Bet a Birdie, Longest Drive, and Straightest Drive. The hole-in-one contest prize, sponsored by Newark Chrysler Jeep Dodge, was a new Dodge Charger.

Another popular contest involved hole #13–150 yards, par 5–where Pro Evan Ogule from Charity Golf International was stationed. After a brief description of The Arc of Delaware, Evan would hit the initial long shot. Participating golfers could then hit from where the pro’s ball landed for a chance to score a hole-in-two and win a trip to Pebble Beach.

Later in the afternoon, as each foursome completed the course, golfers began to relax at the clubhouse and recap their best and worst shots.

Others circulated around the room, examining the silent auction items and recording their bids. Several people commented on the warm feeling of community and sense of shared commitment that permeated the day.

Dinner was served, followed by evening ceremonies. Doug Johnston, a Director of The Arc of Delaware and host of this event, began with a welcome and introduction of The Arc’s new Executive Director, Susannah Eaton-Ryan.

Susannah also welcomed and thanked all the participants and donors for helping The Arc of Delaware to achieve its mission of promoting and protecting the human rights of people with IDD.

Doug then presented the tournament winners with trophies and Pro shop gift cards:

First place: Richard Basilio, Rich Kline, Joe Viscusa and Frank Kovalcheck

Second place: Arthur Young, Mary Mooney, Guy Wharton and Rob Abrams

Third place: John Corbett, Pete Dicce, Malone Harmon and Lew Burke

Putting contest: Jay Scally

Unfortunately, no one won the car or the trip to Pebble Beach this year. Better luck to all next year!

A huge thanks to all the sponsors and donors who raised the level of competition and kept the fun in the game. We could not have done this without you!

And to all the participants, both on and off the course, including the workers behind the scenes, thank you so much for helping to make this event such a success.