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Thank You! You Gave Generously to Camp Courageous!

 

PMCI members and friends exceeded all expectations on June 19 when nearly 100 golfers flocked to Thunder Hills Country Club in Peosta to raise more than $25,000 for Camp Courageous at the annual PMCI Golf Event.

It was a beautiful 75-degree day as golfers from across the state stepped up to the tee to enjoy a day out of the office for a great cause, good fun, and a chance to connect with industry leaders.

The fun started at 11 a.m. as participants enjoyed a grilled lunch, sponsored by PMMIC Insurance and R&A Risk Professionals, and some tasty beverages, while getting the opportunity to visit with friends and gear up for a fantastic day on the links. Cigar aficionados were pleased to find a selection of premium cigars sponsored by Chambers & Owens to complement their finely-tuned short games. After the group photo, it was off in the carts for the noon shotgun start.

Fueled by beverage cart sponsors, Molo Petroleum and Jet Gas, it wasn’t long before our competitors had the opportunity to win $10,000 at the challenging 170-yard, par 3, third hole. With a gusty breeze in their face and woods to the right, players debated their club choice and confidently took their shot at the lucrative prize. Despite some close calls, the prize remained safe and players will have to wait until next year to collect.

The putts were falling as our fearless competitors made their way around the course, enjoying a margarita at the Unified Contracting hospitality hole, keg beer sponsored by RINAlliance and snacks sponsored by Farner-Bocken. As the swing oil began to kick in and the players were firing at the pins, a storm rolled in, briefly pouring hard and producing pea-sized hail. As if we were on a tropical island, in five minutes the rain was gone and the sun beamed through the blue sky. With the wind dying down and the greens softened up, the course began to give up birdies at a frenzied pace.

As players reached the turn, Charlie Becker, beloved director of the camp for 37 years, was on hand to personally officiate the annual putting contest sponsored by Fareway Stores. PMCI member Josh Sundstrom of Sundstop II LLC was the only participant to sink the putt, winning a Thunder Hills Country Club foursome golf package valued at $364. Charlie also granted Josh the “best-dressed” award for his Payne Stewart inspired ensemble.

It was then time for the long-hitters to display their raw power for the longest drive. Former PMCI chair Glenn Hasken of Molo Petroleum limbered up and split the fairway, earning the honors for the men, while Vikki Mackovich of Davenport won for the women. Next, precision hitters tested their skills at the “closest to the pin” competition. Don Burd of Otter Creek Country Stores strode to the tee and hit a fine little draw into the Par 3 that nestled up nicely for an easy birdie for his team, taking the prize. To close out the pin prizes, Bill Lynch lined up a monster putt, and after careful deliberation, dropped it through the side door to take the longest putt title with Chi Chi Rodriguez style.

With 18 quality holes behind them, everyone arrived at the clubhouse for cool libations and snacks and to discuss the great, and perhaps not so great, shots of the day. With all the exercise and fresh air, appetites were ready for a delicious prime rib dinner sponsored by LMC Insurance & Risk Management, and it did not disappoint. It was then time to draw the raffle ticket and Mary Gilroy, wife of RINAlliance board chairman John Gilroy, was the lucky holder of the winning ticket, a fitting prize after making time for a visit to Camp Courageous that morning. After great suspense, it was time to announce the winning foursome. In unprecedented fashion, there were two teams that posted a tremendous round of 12 under par. The PGA pro was called in for the official tie-breaking rule which was to go to the scorecard for each team’s score on the 18th hole. With an eagle on the 18th, the Solar Transport team led by Clarence Hudson won the event, which includes receiving the very prestigious PMCI Golf Event Traveling Trophy. Team Solar Transport will proudly display the trophy until returning next year to defend and keep their champion title. In truly giving fashion, Clarence announced that his team was donating their $400 cash prize to the camp, much to the appreciation of the crowd.

PMCI President and Chief Executive Officer Dawn Carlson came to the podium for a heartfelt thank you to all participants and sponsors for such tremendous support. “PMCI has been a long supporter of Camp Courageous and over the years has donated more than one million dollars to the camp,” said Dawn. On behalf of PMCI, Dawn then announced to the full room a generous $1,000 donation in the honor of Sandy Bland and her family. Sandy was a former PMCI staff member and long-time supporter of Camp Courageous and this fantastic golf benefit.

Dawn then brought Charlie to the podium to update all on the great work being done at the camp. Charlie proceeded to tell the story of PMCI Associate Member, Sitler LED Supplies, who experienced a tremendous loss when their owners were involved in separate automobile accidents. Unfortunately, William Andrew “Andy” Meardon passed away in December but his inspiration lived on, leading the Sitler team to honor his memory. Prior to the accident, Andy had been working on a project with Camp Courageous to install LED lighting at the camp’s pool. Upon reflection, the team at Sitler insisted on not only tackling the pool project at no cost, but also providing the entire camp with an LED solution, upgrading wiring and providing installation of over 3,000 LED lights in a project valued at $100,000. Charlie recognized the Sitler team of Braden Gaal, Renford Miller, Rob Nichols and Nick Witthoft with a standing ovation.

Next, in a truly heartwarming speech, Riley Hasken, son of PMCI member Glenn Hasken, touched the crowd with his tale of being a volunteer counselor at the camp. Riley had no idea what to expect from the camp or how much it would ultimately affect him. Riley told the touching story of Parker, a young camper with Muscular Dystrophy, to whom Riley was assigned. In a matter of moments, Riley knew that he was blessed to serve and to get to know this outstanding young man who had been a long-time camper known for a big smile and upbeat approach to life in the face of a debilitating disease. Riley would carry Parker piggyback, the young man’s favorite mode of transportation around the camp, and Riley would be careful not to give even the slightest indication of getting hot and tired as he knew that Parker would immediately demand to get down as he would not want to be a burden on someone else. It was in this speech that all attendees truly felt the spirit of the camp, the campers, the staff, and all of those blessed to support the camp and experience first-hand the feeling of helping others in need. Riley proceeded to announce a substantial donation to the camp which was then promptly doubled by Glenn in honor of his late father who recently passed away.

After a standing ovation, guests made countless donations to the camp and purchased the cherished collectible cars from Charlie, principally, a class 1966 VW, representing Charlie’s first car. As the drinks flowed and the feeling of giving transcended the room, Dawn and Charlie came to the podium and announced that through the gracious support of PMCI members and friends, an estimated $25,000 was raised for the camp. After a great day, it was then time for handshakes and hugs as all said goodbye and headed back home.

Thank you to all participants and sponsors for making this year’s event so special. See you next year.

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