COARC PLANS SECOND ANNUAL OpportuniTees GOLF TOURNAMENT
Kathy Lantry
ccSCOOP News
Since its creation in 1965, COARC has been working to “expand abilities, one person at a time, so individuals experiencing disabilities can achieve their individual goals.” COARC was founded by parents of children with disabilities, at a time when there was no organization or agency in Columbia County to serve such youngsters. Today, COARC provides comprehensive services to children and adults at more than 20 locations. The services they provide are as diverse as the population they serve.
“We have work-related programs both in-house and in the community, and we support people in residential settings— both in homes with 24-hour support and in more independent settings where individuals may only receive a few hours of support a week,” explains Alex Schneider, COARC’s Director of Development and Community Services. “We also support people through advocacy programs, and we run a State Education Department–certified preschool and daycare program. We also run a host of different respite programs designed to give parents a break from the rigors and demands of constant caregiving."
Schneider pointed out that, given the current economic climate, the State of New York is in the process of reducing overall funding to agencies like COARC that provide services to individuals with disabilities. So, to keep these programs running, COARC needs help from the community.
“Although COARC receives much operational funding for many of our programs through the state, many of the popular and community-based services COARC offers are either severely underfunded or completely unfunded,” Schneider said. “COARC loves to host many different events, and we love to be a vibrant part of the community. Specifically, when it comes to fundraising events, community participation is really critical for us to fully support our mission." |
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Marc Levesque (left), Head Golf Professional at Columbia Golf & Country Club, and Gerald Dieffenbach (right), COARC board member and chair of the Ad Hoc Fundraising Committee, get ready for COARC’s OpportuniTees Golf Tournament on September 4. |
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On Thursday, September 4, COARC will hold its second annual OpportuniTees Golf Tournament at the Columbia Golf & Country Club on Route 217 in Claverack. Golfers are invited to play a round of golf for a worthy cause.
“COARC faces challenges every day,” said Gerald J. Dieffenbach, COARC board member and chair of the organization’s Ad Hoc Fundraising Committee, in a press release. “If you want a challenge, join COARC for a round of golf at Columbia Golf & Country Club. The course is a real challenge.”
The entry fee for the tournament is $100 for COARC members and $125 for nonmembers. This includes greens fees, cart fees, lunch before play, refreshments during play, and cocktails and dinner after. Registration begins at 11 a.m. After lunch, the tournament begins at 12:30. The tournament follows a four-man scramble format with a gunshot start, in which all the teams begin simultaneously, each foursome starting at the different hole. Prizes will be awarded to the first-, second-, and third-place teams, as well as for the longest drive and closest to the pin. There will also be a hole-in-one contest sponsored by Rosetti Chevrolet of Chatham. To register for the OpportuniTees Golf Tournament, call (518) 672-4451 or get your registration form online at www.coarc.org. But hurry! The deadline for registering is August 20.
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Schneider urges community members to step up to the tee and help COARC continue such programs as Camp Mahican, a summer day camp established in 1966. Camp Mahican, which was the first program operated by COARC, offers recreational opportunities for disabled children between the ages of 5 and 16.
“We receive funding through various state and county entities to support most of the
operational costs for [Camp Mahican]. The program always does run a bit of a loss, however. When it comes to the actual physical plant that houses the camp, it has always been totally unfunded,” Schneider said. “This year, with last year’s fundraising and several larger donors like the Hudson River Bank & Trust Foundation and the Rheinstrom Hill Community Foundation, we’ve managed to build the rough but functional structure of the pavilion. We hope that with this current year’s fundraising during the golf tournament and from our current membership we'll be able to improve on the pavilion by adding hot and cold water and refrigeration.” |
Unlike donating to some large charitable foundations, donating to COARC is a sure way to keep your donations in the area. “COARC currently supports over 600 individuals, almost all of whom reside in Columbia County,” Schneider said, adding that COARC also provides numerous jobs to local residents. “COARC is actually one of the largest employers in Columbia County; last I checked we were fourth. We currently employee over 400 individuals and have jobs ranging from direct support professionals and program managers to administrative assistants and public relations coordinator.”
To become a member of COARC or to make a donation, visit their website at www.coarc.org. Job openings are also listed on the website, and job applications can be completed and submitted online. |
