Golfers Break Records For Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters

Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters recently hosted its 22nd Annual Invitational Golf Classic at the 118-year-old Hartford Golf Club in West Hartford - and set a record for the event, raising a bit more than $158,000 in total.

"Our great Big Brothers Big Sisters Golf Tournament Committee and Board of Directors got the word out to as many area businesses and organizations as possible," said Andy Fleischmann, President and CEO of Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters. "Ultimately, more than 180 golfers signed up to play and support the children we serve. Everyone enjoyed a great day of golf, perfect June weather, and all the conveniences offered by the Hartford Golf Club - one of Connecticut's top three private golf courses."

Players had their option of participating in two different events. There was a traditional four-person scramble. And there was a two-person play-your-own-ball format for more competitive golfers. Attendees also enjoyed lunch, on-course contests, a cocktail reception, dinner, player awards, an auction, and an opportunity to help fund Nutmeg's mission: to provide children in need with great adult mentors who help them reach their highest potential.

NBC Connecticut news anchor Brad Drazen participated in the tournament and served as Master of Ceremonies during the event's evening program. University of Connecticut Head Football Coach Bob Diaco was the Tournament's Honorary Chair and keynote speaker. Also speaking were Big Brother (adult mentor) Kevin Penner and his Little Brother (mentee), Ricardo.

"Thanks to the generosity of attendees and supporters - and the enthusiasm and hard work of the event committee members - we broke last year's record and raised over $150,000, which had been our goal," said Andy Fleischmann. "But, even with this success, we are very much aware that summer is a challenging time for us to keep generating the funds needed to support our life-changing programs for children in need. Our hope is that all those who passionately believe in our mission continue their generous support in the weeks and months to come."

Aerodyne Alloys, Northstar Pulp and Paper and Bob's Discount Furniture were the event's Platinum sponsors. Gold sponsors were: All American Waste and Tecton Architects. Silver sponsors were: Hoffman Auto Group, Reid & Riege and Stewart Staffing Solutions. Bronze sponsors were: Filomeno & Co., GDF Suez, CCGATV, CNC Software, Universal Connectivity, Norcom Mortgage, Simon Konover Co., Farmington Bank, Hartford Distributors, The New England Guild, RDX Engineers, NRG, SunLife, Fibertech, Gitlin Campise, Asplundh, MJ Electric, Matrix SME and Thirau.

For more on Nutmeg, go to: www.nutmegbigbrothersbigsisters.org.