July 25, 2016 – Friends and supporters of the Return To Golf® Charity Classic braved the heat and enjoyed a fun-filled day of golf at the Jack Nicklaus designed golf course at Barrington Golf Club, raising more than $90,000 for the life-changing Return To Golf® program.
Before teeing off, Return To Golf® staff members Gina Babinec, Fitness Coordinator, and Trevor Hazen, Program Director, gave a brief description of activities participants take part in, as well as a demonstration of the “Single-Rider” and “Paramobile,” vehicles that aid participants with spinal injuries or balance issues to play a round of golf on their own.
“What an incredible day,” said director Frank Rihtar. “We couldn’t be more thankful for the overwhelming support of our sponsors and donors who are with us here at Barrington and who share our belief in the life-changing mission of the Return To Golf program.”
A highlight of the event came when Ryan Paugh aced hole number 6 to win a trip for two to Arnold Palmer’s iconic Bay Hill Golf Club & Lodge.
The Return To Golf® program helps physically disabled adults and children improve balance, coordination, muscle strength and, most importantly, self-esteem through the creative combination of rehabilitation-based golf fitness and recreational therapy. The program provides innovative programming, free of charge, to more than 200 participants annually. Participants represented a broad range of physical disabilities, including stroke survivors, amputees, traumatic brain injuries and more.
Among the golfers at the Charity Classic was long-time Cleveland Cavaliers radio producer Dave Dombrowski, Cleveland radio personality Bill Wills of WTAM 1100, and Mr. Cavalier himself, Austin Carr. Wills conducted an on-course interview with Northern Ohio Golf Association CEO, and Charity Classic team member Robb Schulze. Listen below:
At the end of 18-holes, golfers enjoyed dinner and an ice cream bar and were able to participate in a silent auction and raffle in hopes of winning a golf trip to the famed Medinah Country Club, a 2016 Club Car, Notre Dame football tickets and a number of other spectacular prizes.
None of this would be possible without the tremendous support of our sponsors and donors to which we offer our sincerest thank you.