Staatsburg, New York…On Thursday, June 9, 2022, Anderson Center for Autism hosted its annual Anderson Golf Classic at The Links at Union Vale and Harp & Eagle Pub in Lagrangeville. It marked the first time since 2019 that the event was held in its fully traditional format, attracting about 140 participants for breakfast, raffles, 18 holes of golf (scramble format), and a late afternoon program which highlighted the work of Anderson Center for Autism.
The winners of the 2022 Anderson Golf Classic were as follows:
First Place: Adam Benjamin, Al Berger, Chris Howley, and Chris Winter
Second Place: Gregg Paulk, Scott Sweeney, Will Seymour, and Ben Thompson
Closest to the Pin (Women): Pam Tinklepaugh
Closest to the Pin (Men): Jim Pfitzner
Longest Drive (Women): Necia O’Neill
Longest Drive (Men): Gavrav Singh
Said Patrick Paul, CEO/Executive Director of Anderson Center for Autism: “As always, we received overwhelmingly positive feedback from those who spent time on the greens that day in support of our programs and services. We are very grateful to the golfers who came out for our event, and to the many individuals, families, businesses, and community leaders who make the Anderson Golf Classic so successful year after year.”
The golf outing is one of several events that the nonprofit hosts annually to raise funds that support Anderson’s educational, vocational, and residential services for students and residents with autism. Students come from all over the United States to participate in Anderson’s award-winning programs, and fellows travel from all corners of the globe to receive training needed to establish autism programs in their home countries.
Said Kevin Kollar, Anderson Center for Autism Parent and Anderson Foundation Board of Trustees Chair: “It was a great feeling to be back with so many of our supporters this year at the Links. The event has always been a great opportunity to connect, have some fun, and to help our foundation continue its mission to improve the quality of life for those in the care of Anderson.”
Reflected Dr. Tina Marie Covington, PhD., BCBA-D, LBA, Chief Operating Officer at Anderson Center for Autism, “There is always a feeling of true fellowship on the course, and this year we felt it in an extra-special way. Not only did golfers seem to really connect to our mission as we went through the day, but the return to our pre-pandemic format felt celebratory as well. It was full of memorable moments and I’m so glad to have experienced it.”
In addition to the spirit of community that Covington noted, the organization also witnessed a spirit of generosity.
Said Eliza Bozenski, Chief Development Officer, Anderson Foundation for Autism, “The Anderson Golf Classic this year raised over $100,000, which would not have been possible were it not for the generosity of many sponsors, donors, volunteers, and golfers. We want to thank each of them for helping us enrich the lives of people with autism.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 44 are now diagnosed with autism, a neurological disorder that presents with communication, sensory processing, and socialization challenges. Anderson Center for Autism’s mission is to “optimize the quality of life for people with autism.”
The golf event was sponsored by Oldies 98.9, The Kollar Family, M&T Bank, NFP, Solutions ATI, Hudson Valley Magazine, McCarthy’s Pharmacy, and Professional Computer Associates, and Atlas Star, among others.
For more information, call 845.889.9208 or visit www.AndersonCenterForAutism.org/AndersonClassic.
About Anderson Center for Autism
Our mission at Anderson Center for Autism is to optimize the quality of life for people with autism.
Photo Courtesy of Anderson Center for Autism.
Pictured: The Solutions ATI Eagle Sponsor/Corporate Foursome.