June 27, 2023 On Thursday, June 15, 2023, Anderson Center for Autism hosted its annual Anderson Golf Classic at The Links at Union Vale and Harp & Eagle Pub in Lagrangeville. The event attracted approximately 140 participants from all over the country – from California to New England and the Mid-Atlantic to the Hudson Valley – 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 2023 Anderson Golf Classic were as follows:
1st Place, Score 59:
Devin Kollar | Mark Reilly | Necia O’Neil | Ray O’Neil
2nd Place, Score 60:
Rick Paladino | Tyler Paladino | Andy Verboys | Mike Kramer
Women’s Closest to the Pin @ Hole #7:
Necia O’Neil – 2’9”
Men’s Closest to the Pin @ Hole #7:
Bill Melcher – 4’0”
Women’s Longest Drive @ Hole #17:
Cece Bette
Men’s Longest Drive @ #17:
Chris Ventrone
Said Patrick Paul, CEO/Executive Director of Anderson Center for Autism: “We are so grateful to the countless people who make this event a success every year. It is incredible how far some folks travel to tee up for our cause, and to see the many individuals, families, and businesses who support the event through sponsorships as well.”
The Anderson Golf Classic is among several events hosted by the nonprofit organization each year that are designed to raise funds and awareness. Proceeds support the educational, vocational, and residential services for students and residents with autism that are provided by Anderson at its various locations.
Said Kevin Kollar, Anderson Center for Autism Parent and Anderson Foundation Board of Trustees Chair: “We all love to get out on the golf course, but when our play time comes with a deeper sense of purpose it makes it even better. Funds raised through Anderson’s golf outing ultimately help the organization carry out its mission of optimizing the quality of life for individuals with autism – and every person who participates that day has helped make a difference to that end.”
Said Eliza Bozenski, Chief Development Officer, Anderson Foundation for Autism, “Sponsors, donors, and golfers collectively helped raise over $100,000 this year, which exceeded our goal. This is a significant contribution to Anderson and the individuals and families we serve; we are incredibly grateful for our generous circle of support and hope that everyone enjoyed the day as much as we did.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 36 are now diagnosed with autism, a neurological disorder that presents with communication, sensory processing, and socialization challenges. Anderson’s programs draw students and residents from all over the United States; in addition, scholars come from all corners of the globe to receive training from Anderson so that they can establish programs for people with autism upon returning to their home countries.
Sponsors of the event included Oldies 98.9, Solutions ATI (Classic Sponsors), along with Eagle Sponsors as follows: The Kollar Family, M&T Bank, and NFP, and Birdie Sponsors, which included Consigli Construction Co., Inc., Hudson Valley Magazine, McCarthy’s Pharmacy, and MiniCo Insurance.
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.
