DANIELSON — The Arc Quinebaug Valley held its 29th Annual Gardner Johnson Memorial Golf Tournament recently and grossed more than $45,000.

The tournament was presented by Tournament Sponsor Gerardi Insurance Services, Inc. July 8. Other major sponsors included Rawson Materials, Advantage Home Medical, LLC, Putnam Bank, Fluid Coating Technology, Inc. and Byrnes Agency.

Local businesses, Arc Board members and community members formed a full course of players. From a friendly yet competitive day out on the course, complimentary massages provided by Adept Bodywork, acoustic music performed by Stanley & Libera, complimentary photographs taken by Clarus Studios, Inc., delicious meals prepared by the venue, snacks donated by Frito Lay and wonderful raffles and auction items, the event proved to be a fun-filled and successful day for all.

With a score of 56 on the Par 71 Connecticut National Golf Club course, the Gerardi Insurance Services, Inc. foursome of Ed Desaulnier, Luke Desaulnier, John Aitken and Drew Aitken took first place.  Second place winners were the ReMax Bell Park foursome of Brendan Meehan, Mike Meehan, Jared Meehan and Ryan Salvas, with a score of 56 as well.  The Gerardi Insurance Services, Inc. second foursome, Matt Desaulnier, Mark Seiffert, Kevin Cole and Jim Quigley, took third place with a score of 57.

In the skins competition, specifically on holes one, four and six, the winning teams in the listed order were Gerardi Insurance Services, Inc. with players Ed Desaulnier, Luke Desaulnier, John Aitken and Drew Aitken, Putnam Bank with players John Miller, Dick Loomis, Jay Sinha and Tim Bushey, and ReMax Bell Park with players Brendan Meehan, Mike Meehan, Jared Meehan and Ryan Salvas.

Closest to the pin winners were Rick Dion on hole seven, Corey Gaudette on hole nine and Ray Descheneau on hole 15.

Best Dressed Team award went to The Center for Bone & Joint Care/Tri-State Rehabilitation. Golf Committee member and President of the Board of Directors, Pamela B. Brown, was presented with the Gardner Johnson Award to her surprise during the tournament dinner. “It has

been a wonderful experience working with members of the Golf Committee, the Board, and the wonderful Arc staff towards the success of this tournament.  To have been given this honor, in the name of Gardner Johnson, one of the most tireless and committed advocates for The Arc, is truly humbling and appreciated.” said Brown.

Working with Brown on the golf tournament committee were Co-Chairs Lynn Bourque and Brandy Hapgood, as well as members Jeff Rawson, Gene Michael Deary, Tedd Hudon, Ryan Plummer, Eric Quinn, Earl Rosebrooks, David Stuyniski, Jeff Rizer, Julie Ann Dupont, Kristine Durocher, Geoff Bolte, Rick Dion and The Arc staff Susan Desrosiers, Crystal Simonson, Linda Lamoureux, Sandi Riemann and Abby Snyder.

“The increased support for the tournament this year has been extremely overwhelming and truly appreciated. The Arc is able to maintain exceptional services and continue to thrive due to the continued kindness and generosity of this community, and for that, we are forever grateful.” said Susan Desrosiers, executive director of The Arc Quinebaug Valley.

Proceeds from The Annual Gardner Johnson Memorial Golf Tournament help to enhance services provided by The Arc for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and other life- affecting disabilities.