Community Corner
OBI Links Challenge Raises Money and Awareness for Adults with Disabilities
Nearly 80 golfers and several local businesses helped raise money for adults with disabilities.
Nearly 80 golfers participated in a links challenge Monday in an effort to raise funds and awareness for adults with disabilities at Compass Pointe Golf Course in Pasadena.
Opportunity Builders Inc. (OBI), a Millersville company that finds jobs for more than 400 adults with developmental disabilities, sought to raise $20,000 at their eighth annual Links Challenge. The event included major sponsors from throughout the community.
Bingo World, the major sponsor of the links challenge, donated $5,000 and their generosity has been met by other charities such as the Special Olympics and the Polar Bear Plunge.
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“We hold this charity dear,” said Paul Sheppard, who played in one of the three Bingo World-sponsored foursomes. “We’re happy to do it and we’re happy we’re in a position that we can give to the charities so that we can help other people.”
OBI President Jennifer Brienza said things went seamlessly.
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“As far as we’re concerned, as long as we make a little more than we did last year, we’re moving forward rather than backwards. The goal is to keep moving forward. After this, it’s on to the next event," Brienza said.
OBI provides vocational training and employment services to adults with developmental disabilities in the community. The company seeks to give each individual it serves a chance to be productive, contributing citizens while helping them achieve personal fulfillment and independence.
“I believe in what they’re doing,” said John Stone, who serves on the finance committee at OBI and works for New York Life as a financial adviser. "I like to get behind businesses I believe are making a difference in the community.”
At 9 a.m., all the golfers jumped into their carts and were given the “shotgun” start.
The Bingo World team of Steve Bruce, Ed Slacem and Rich Colmus emerged as the winners with the best score, shooting a combined 54. “Cheaters” was yelled by joking and jealous golfers during the awards ceremony.
However, it was the cause they were playing for, not the results of the challenge, that truly mattered.
“Obviously, it is an honor and a privilege to participate in something that your money is going to—to help someone less fortunate,” said Colmus.
Slacem has a special needs nephew in his family.
“Any money that can be raised on their behalf and have a good time as well is great,” he said.