Contact: Kayla Krause For Immediate Release
Email: KKrause@thecenterofhope.org October 5, 2021
Phone: (508) 764-4085 ext. 698
www.TheCenterofHope.org
The Dick Hoyt Memorial Golf Tournament
A Huge Success
Southbridge, MA – 10/5/2021- The Center of Hope Foundation, Inc. (CoHF), a non-profit agency serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, hosted its 15th Annual Golf Tournament on September 11th. With 144 golfers participating at the event, the Center of Hope was able to raise about $13,000.
This tournament benefits the Special Olympics Program and the Holiday Giving Program. Once again, we will be able to see the relief and smiles on families’ faces this year. We are very lucky to have the generous support from local businesses and members in the community who help to make our mission possible. Changing lives and providing opportunities is not only what we do at the Center of Hope, but it is also who we are.
This year was the first year that our golf tournament was held in honor of our good friend, Dick Hoyt, who recently passed. Dick was a runner who became well known for competing in the Boston Marathon and over 1000 other races while pushing his son, Rick, in a specialized running chair. Dick inspired people to look at their children as equals, no matter their abilities. Their motto was “Yes You Can!” After his passing, his sons, Rick, Russ and Rob Hoyt continue to run the Hoyt Foundation, generously donating to agencies that support and advocate for individuals with disabilities. Dick’s grandson Troy, son of Russ, is continuing the legacy by pushing Rick in races.
Russ Hoyt, with a message from Rick, graciously handed a check for $35,000 from the Foundation to the Center of Hope at this year’s tournament. “Dick and Rick and the family were great friends of the Center of Hope Foundation for many years. The number of opportunities that previous support and this year’s $35,000 brings to the individuals at the Center of Hope, their families and others in our local community is enormous. We miss him very much”, says Cindy Howard, CEO at the Center of Hope.
We would like to thank all of the sponsors who helped to make this event successful: The Hoyt Foundation, Team Hoyt, US Tool and Fastener, Joe Cleans, Cornerstone Bank, Abacus Distributors, Fletcher Tilton PC, Helgerson’s Excavating and Septic, IBEW Local 2324, IBEW Local 2222, IBEW 2321, Incom, Inc., Southbridge Tire, OFS Fitel, Vibrance Technology, Southbridge Credit Union, Excel Advertising, Klem’s, Tractor Supply, The Raymond Family, Charlton City Auto Body, Associated Builders, Inc., Tree House Brewery, The Olshewski Family, Kristine Biagiotti-Bridges, Ted’s Package Store, Golfer’s Warehouse, Cohasse Country Club, Heritage Country Club, Sherie Bombardier, Cheryl Ryan Chan, Anette Lazili, Boston Beer, Stearns, Oakholm Brewery, Sturbridge Porterhouse and Brimfield Winery.
We would also like to extend a big thank you to our good Friend, John Rowley, who helps to make this event successful. John volunteers his time and energy to help prepare for the event, run the event, donates, and participates in the event.
We would also like to congratulate our winners. First place: Joshua Berthiaume, Mike Frio, Adam Letendre and Cole Amadio. Second Place: Jack Stankowski, Alan Wondolowski, Jeremy Dillensneider, Daren Lenois. Third Place: Raj Connor, Chris Keubler, and Nick Thomas.
To learn more about this golf tournament, view photos or learn about how to participate in next year’s event please visit www.thecenterofhope.org/golf or call (508) 764-4085.
