Weather can’t dampen spirit at PFG golf outing

A little downpour? A little heat? A little sun?

No problem!

That was the attitude of more than 60 enthusiastic golfers who turned out on Sunday, June 27, at the PFG Ted Arndt Memorial Golf Tournament at Highland Woods Golf Course in Hoffman Estates, all with the goal of raising money for Little City and the hundreds of residents and clients it serves.

When the day ended under warm, sunny skies – after starting with a heavy rain storm in the morning – the group had raised $19,000 for our organization.

“Despite some iffy weather conditions, you came out to support Little City and people like Nick (Diederich) and Jimmy (Stelmach), who are here to represent the people who make Little City what it is today,” said Executive Director Shawn Jeffers. “Thanks for being here, and we truly appreciate your efforts in making this day a success.”

Led by PFG President Gil Fergus, the many members of the golf committee did a wonderful job of coordinating the day’s activities. Players not only played a team scramble format, but they also enjoyed many “mini-competitions” during the round, competing in long-drive and closest-to-the pin contests, as well as “beat the pro” and hole-in-one events.

The golfers also were welcomed and visited throughout the round by Nick and Jimmy, who are members of Little City’s Special Olympics golf team. Jimmy was a state champion in 2008 in the skills competition, while Nick finished second in 2009.

“It was really great to have Nick and Jimmy out here,” said Frank Wasielewski, a member of the committee and golf participant. “They were inspirational and helped us to understand in a more personal way what it means to support Little City.”

Taking first place honors in the competition were Marty Sammon, Erin Sammon, Dave Vonderheide and Bob Hessemann, compiling a score of 64. Winning the men’s long-drive competition was Volv Schlageter, while Charlotte Bowens won the women’s side. Closest to the pin honors went to Bill Sullivan for the men and Naomi Dunn for the women.

Several prizes were raffled off in the event after the group enjoyed a buffet dinner, including a 32-inch flat-screen television that was won by Volv Schlageter. We also want to thank Heather Figlioli for donating back to Little City the $300 she won in two competitions during the afternoon.

The tournament is named in memory of Ted Arndt, a dedicated volunteer whose stepdaughter, Sharon, came to Little City Foundation in 1969. Ted’s dream was to create an annual golf outing to raise funds and to build awareness for the organization that changed the life of his stepdaughter.

Ted realized his dream with the launch of the first PFG Group Golf Outing in 1991. His wife, Nancy, still helps with the committee and volunteers at the event. Over the years, the tournament has raised thousands of dollars for Little City.

A special thanks to sponsors David Figlioli of Morici, Figlioli & Associates, Dahlberg Associates and the Phillip Carpenter Amvets Post 66 for their sponsorship of this year’s tournament. Their donations are greatly appreciated. We also thank our many volunteers who gave of their time and talent during the day.