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Tournament Winners

The first-place team of the Arc Quinebaug Valley’s 30th Annual Gardner Johnson Memorial Golf Tournament included: Tommy Derosier, Tim Cunha, Pete Cunha and Scott Derosier. Photo courtesy of Clarus Studios, Inc.

 

 

The Arc Quinebaug Valley held its 30th Annual Gardner Johnson Memorial Golf Tournament, presented by Tournament Sponsor Gerardi Insurance Services, Inc., on June 16 at Connecticut National Golf Club in Putnam. The tournament grossed more than $40,000.

Other major sponsors included Rawson Materials, Putnam Bank, Fluid Coating Technology, Inc., Byrnes Insurance Agency and East Commerce Solutions, Inc.

Local businesses, Arc Board members and community members came together on the course as golfers to support The Arc Quinebaug Valley.  From fun and competitive play, complimentary massages provided by Caroline D’Elia, L.M.T., acoustic music performed by Stanley & Libera, complimentary foursome portfolios 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 an enjoyable and successful day for all.

Four different vehicles from The Gates Automotive Group, The Arc’s Car Sponsor, were displayed at the tournament entrance, enticing golfers to be the first to sink a Hole-In-One on hole four, for the chance to win one of the four present vehicles. 

With a score of 57 on the Par 71 Connecticut National Golf Club course, the foursome of Tim Cunha, Pete Cunha, Scott Derosier and Tommy Derosier took first place.  Second-place winners were the foursome of Dr. Jack Mooney, Mike Cristina, Jeff Clang, Sr. and Jeff Clang, Jr., with a score of 60.  The foursome of Rick Dion, Paul Roy, Doug May and Chris Ketralis took third place with a score of 61.

In the skins competition, specifically on hole 6, the winning team players were Dr. Jack Mooney, Mike Cristina, Jeff Clang, Sr. and Jeff Clang, Jr., with an Eagle 3.

Closest to the pin winners were Ryan Walsh on hole seven, Joe Landry on hole nine and Mary Kuhn on hole fifteen. 

Best Dressed Team award went to the RE/MAX foursome, with each player winning a $50 gift card donated by Danielson Surplus.

Golf Committee member and Past President of The Arc Board of Directors, Jeffrey Rawson, was presented with the Gardner Johnson Award to his surprise during the tournament dinner. “I was honored to receive the award and to join the list of so many wonderful and impactful people before me who have positively changed the lives of folks with intellectual and developmental disabilities.” said Rawson.

Gardner Johnson, for whom the golf tournament is named, was the loving father of a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  He was a champion advocate for his son and The Arc Quinebaug Valley.  Gardner knew that all people, regardless of a disability, should have the life they want, and to be cared for with dignity and respect.

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

“This golf tournament is one of our biggest fundraising events each year and we are forever grateful for the continued support of our wonderful community.  It is the generosity and kindness of those dedicated to our mission who truly help our agency continue to shine.” 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.