Sunny weather and spirited competition highlighted the 28th annual TRC Golf Classic, which raised money to improve the lives of people with special needs in Chautauqua County.

Twenty-seven foursomes competed in the tournament, held July 22 at Moon Brook Country Club near Jamestown.  Winning the tournament with a score of 116 in the four-ball, two-best-ball format was the team of Michelle Grisanti, Mike Grisanti, Lindsay O’Connor and Jason O’Connor.  They will have their names engraved on the champions’ trophy, which is called The Gregg Bender Cup in honor of the retired TRC employee and former longtime chair of the tournament’s steering committee.

Earning top honors in the first flight with a score of 120 was the team of Mike Bird, Jeff Keppel, Todd Conklin, and Jerome Lee Yaw.  Finishing atop flight two with a 129 was the team of Mike Goldman, Mike Roberts, Devan Jackson, and Damien Jackson.

Once the tournament concluded, the traditional Special Olympics putting contest took place.  More than 20 athletes participated, with each Special Olympian getting one chance to make a lengthy putt.  The competitor whose ball came to rest closest to the hole was Paul Ribaudo.

Following appetizers and a buffet dinner prepared by Moon Brook staff, awards were presented to the top teams in the tournament, and prize drawings were held.  Kelly Dimitri, TRC’s chief operating officer, thanked the golfers for participating in the tournament, which raises money to support people with disabilities in Chautauqua County.

For the 13th straight year, Lake Shore Savings was the presenting sponsor.  Other major sponsors were HM Insurance Group, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, the Winifred Crawford Dibert Foundation, AssuredPartners, Bryans & Gramuglia, Double Tree by Hilton Jamestown, Jamestown Container Companies, Lutheran Jamestown, Ocean State Innovations, SKF Aeroengine, The Post-Journal, and USI Insurance.

Other sponsors included Arthur R. Gren Company, Collaborative Children’s Solutions, Conrad Office Products, Courier Capital, Dahlstrom Rollform, Graf Realty, HCH Interiors, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY, Independent Health/Pharmacy Benefit Dimensions, Inscale Architects, Jamestown Awning, Jamestown Macadam Inc. (JMI), Jamestown Mattress, KeyBank, Kinley Contractors, LaBella Associates, Medical Risk Managers (MRM), M.J. Foley Co., Pepsi Co. of Jamestown, Rand Precision Machining, Shults Auto Group, SM Cristall, Twinstar Business Solutions, TRC’s Executive Management Team, Univera Healthcare, UPMC Chautauqua, WCA Foundation, and Weber Knapp Company.

The following donated items: ACME The Appliance Store, Chautauqua Golf Club, Dahlstrom Rollform, DFT Communications, Enterprise Fleet Management, Fancher Chair, Jason Stronz, Pepsi Co. of Jamestown, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, Phil N’ Cindy’s Lunch, Phil and Cindy Ribaudo, Joe and Teri Ribaudo, Paul and Jennifer Capitano, Jim and Sally Jaroszynski, Smokin’ Bear Cigars, South Hills Country Club, Southern Tier Distilling Company, and ZTS Management.

The tournament’s success is due in large part to the efforts of its steering committee: Chris Anderson, chair; Gregg Bender, chair emeritus; Nicholas Bell, Daniel Bender, Anthony Cusimano, Adam Dimitri, John Felton, Todd Frangione, R. Michael Goldman, Cindy Hitchcock, Phil Ribaudo, Mike Roberts, Jason Stronz, Victoria Bardo, Timur Tyra, Tad Wright, Gary Yager, and Ben Windoft.

Also critical to the tournament’s success were the contributions of its other event-day volunteers: Kevin Anderson, Kayla DePane, Theresa Butts, Kelly Dimitri, Kathy Field, Rachel Foley, Mary Jo Hamilton, Austin Mitchell, Jenna Silzle, Karen Silzle, and Anne Yager.

“The 28th annual TRC Golf Classic, in terms of money raised, was our most successful event since 2008!  The weather was perfect, and the golf course was in superb condition,” Chris Anderson said.  “The TRC Golf Classic is only made possible with the generous financial commitment of sponsors and the dedication of many volunteers and the staff at Moon Brook Country Club.  Together, they make a lasting difference in the lives of people in our community.  It is a distinct honor to lead such a successful and important event and have a dedicated team of committee members ensuring the tournament’s continued success.”

He noted that while final figures have not been tabulated, this year’s tournament will generate over $60,000 after all expenses have been paid.  The most money raised in over 15 years.  This will bring the tournament’s cumulative net proceeds to about $1.85 million since the event was first held in 1997.

TRC Golf Classic proceeds benefit Filling the Gap, Inc., a Jamestown-based not-for-profit organization that works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities and other socioeconomic challenges.

Next year’s TRC Golf Classic is scheduled for July 21.  Businesses interested in sponsoring the event can contact Anderson at 716-483-2344, ext 90167.

CAPTIONS

Pictured from left are the members of the winning team: Mike Grisanti, Michelle Grisanti, Lindsay O’Connor and Jason O’Connor.

Paul Ribaudo, center, won the Special Olympics putting contest.  He is pictured with Gregg Bender, left, a member of the tournament’s steering committee and Kevin Anderson, a Resource Center employee and Special Olympics golf coach.

Dan and Beth Hocking, Owners of ACME The Appliance Store, recently donated a Weber Gas Grill that will be used for a drawing to support the 28th Annual TRC Golf Classic.

The TRC Golf Classic is the major annual fund-raising event for Filling the Gap, Inc., a Jamestown-based non-profit organization that works with The Resource Center to support people with disabilities and other socioeconomic challenges in Chautauqua County. In its first 27 years, the tournament has netted over $1.78 million for the TRC Foundation Fund, which raises money to improve the lives of people with disabling conditions in Chautauqua County.

“The Resource Center is a vital part of our community, said Dan Hocking.  “ACME the Appliance Store is honored to serve as a community partner and donate this WEBER Gas Grill to help raise money for the Resource Center.  Beth & I believe strongly in giving back to the community and assist all the wonderful people at the Resource Center, who nurture, uplift and empower others to realize their full potential. The Resource Center makes a positive difference in people’s lives on a daily basis, and we are happy to continue to partner with them to support their efforts.”

The 2024 TRC Golf Classic is scheduled for July 22 at Moon Brook Country Club in Jamestown.  For more information, please visit www.trcgolfclassic.com.

Picture:  l to r – Kim Davis, Special Olympics Athlete, Janel McIntyre, Special Olympics Athlete,  Dan Hocking, Co-Owner, ACME The Appliance Store, and Kay Davis, Special Olympics Athlete.

Photo: l to r – Kim Liddell, President, CEO & Director, Lake Shore Savings Bank, Chris Anderson, TRC Golf Classic Chairman, and Gregg Bender, TRC Golf Classic Chair Emeritus and Board President, Filling the Gap, Inc.

Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc., the holding company of Lake Shore Savings Bank, announced that its Board of Directors has renewed an agreement to have Lake Shore Savings serve as the presenting sponsor of the TRC Golf Classic for three more years.

The TRC Golf Classic is the major annual fund-raising event for Filling the Gap, Inc., a Jamestown-based non-profit organization that works with The Resource Center to support people with disabilities and other socioeconomic challenges in Chautauqua County.

Lake Shore Savings has sponsored the TRC Golf Classic every year since the tournament began in 1997, and since 2012 has been the event’s presenting sponsor.  One of the most successful one-day charity golf tournaments in Southwestern New York, the TRC Golf Classic has netted more than $1.8 million since it began in 1997.

“Lake Shore Savings Bank has been a proud supporter of The Resource Center for the past 27 years,” said Kim Liddell, President, CEO & Director. “We strongly believe in supporting organizations that do so much to help strengthen our community.”

“On behalf of myself and the employees of The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, we are grateful to Lake Shore Savings Bank for its renewal as the presenting sponsor of the TRC Golf Classic,” said Denise Jones, The Resource Center’s Chief Executive Officer.  “We rely on the generosity of our local business community to make our events successful.  Lake Shore Savings has been one of our most treasured corporate partners over the last 27 years.  Their annual support allows us to fulfill our mission of helping people with disabilities to enjoy meaningful lives.”
“The TRC Golf Classic Steering Committee applauds Lake Shore Savings Bank for once again agreeing to be the presenting sponsor for the next three TRC Golf Classics.  Lake Shore Savings has been a major sponsor of our event for 27 years.  And, for the last 12 years, as presenting sponsor, they have contributed $180,000.  Lake Shore’s motto is ‘Putting People First’ and they have once again lived their mission as a wonderful community partner.  We thank Kim Liddell, Taylor Gilden and the Board at Lake Shore Savings Bank for their generous commitment to The Resource Center and the people we serve,” said Chris Anderson, Chair, and Gregg Bender, Chair Emeritus, TRC Golf Classic and Board President, Filling the Gap, Inc.

The 2024 TRC Golf Classic is scheduled for July 22 at Moon Brook Country Club in Jamestown.  For more information or to sponsor, visit www.trcgolfclassic.com or phone 716-483-2344 x90167.

The Resource Center and Filling the Gap, Inc., will pair two of their popular events when the Sprout Film Festival and Step Up for Autism take place Wednesday, September 27.

The combined events will be held at The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts on Third Street in Jamestown.  An autism awareness walk will begin at 5:30.  Walkers will proceed west for about three blocks to the CHQ Plus store, then return to The Reg.  The walk is free, and everyone is invited to take part to show support for people on the autism spectrum.

The theaters doors open at 6:00 for the Sprout Film Festival, with the movies scheduled to start at 7:00.  The festival features 10 short films that celebrate the diverse lives and creativity of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The films seek to challenge assumptions and break down stereotypes about people with disabling conditions.

Sprout is a traveling film festival, and each host community selects the films that will be screened locally.  This is the seventh time The Resource Center has brought the Sprout Film Festival to Chautauqua County.  Most of this year’s films feature individuals who are on the spectrum.  People can view the festival’s trailer at www.resourcecenter.org/sprout to get a feel for some of the films.

Admission to the film festival is free thanks to a grant from Filling the Gap, which works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Chautauqua County.

This will be the 14^th annual Step Up for Autism celebration, which is organized by Filling the Gap.  Two staples of past Step Up for Autism events will be incorporated into the film festival.  Patrons will have an opportunity to try to win donated prize baskets, as well as bid on items in a sweets auction.  The auction features cakes, pies and other treats donated by local establishments.

Officials from The Resource Center and Filling the Gap are looking forward to presenting the Sprout Film Festival and Step Up for Autism on the same evening.

“I am excited to have these two great events become one,” said The Resource Center’s Kevin Anderson, one of the film festival’s lead organizers.  “Sprout has always been a wonderful evening where the greater Jamestown community comes together to enjoy entertaining and enlightening films.  With the addition of Step Up for Autism, we are providing the opportunity for people to mingle before the films and help raise funds for important programs that support individuals on the spectrum.”

“Bringing these two favorite events together gives us one action-packed event,” said Victoria Bardo, development and event manager for Filling the Gap.  “Please join us in front of The Reg at 5:30 for our walk along Third Street, enjoy the movies and don’t forget to participate in our raffles and spirited sweets auction.  This is a beautiful venue, so why not bring along your family and friends?  You will come out of this event with the best feeling and a new perspective on the cherished lives of persons with different abilities.”

Sponsors of this year’s Step Up for Autism include Brown & Brown Insurance, Lake Shore Savings and UPMC Chautauqua.  Money raised through Step Up for Autism will stay in Chautauqua County to support people on the autism spectrum and others with developmental disabilities.

“We would like to send a shout out to all of our sponsors for their continued support in making a difference in our community,” Bardo added. 

 For more information about the Sprout Film Festival, phone Anderson at 716-483-2344.  For questions about Step Up for Autism, phone Bardo at 716-661-1477.

People wishing to make a donation in support of the Step Up for Autism walk, or to help bring Sprout to our community again next year, may do so by visiting https://fillingthegap.net/donate.  People also can mail a check to Filling the Gap, 92 Fairmount Avenue, Jamestown, NY, 14701; make the check payable to Filling the Gap and write either “Sprout” or “Step Up for Autism” on the memo line.

A mother’s tribute to her son will take center stage at the fourth annual Step Up for Autism walk Saturday, September 23, in Grand Island.

The event, organized by Dory Matwijkow, will be held in Beaver Island State Park starting at 11:00, with the 1.5-mile walk stepping off at noon.  There also will be a basket raffle, pri

ze drawings and a bake sale featuring items made by Matwijkow, who is a professional pastry chef.

Dory conducts the event each year in honor of her son, Austin, who is on the autism spectrum. Austin lives in a home in Jamestown operated by The Resource Center.  The money raised through Dory’s walk benefits the services The Resource Center provides to people on the spectrum.

“It’s the least I can do for an agency that has been a huge part of my life for the last seven years,” she said.

Dory first began supporting The Resource Center by traveling from her home in Grand Island to Jamestown to participate in TRC’s annual Step Up for Autism walk.  The event is conducted in partnership with Filling the Gap, Inc., another Chautauqua County non-profit organization that works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities and other socioeconomic challenges.

When The Resource Center and Filling the Gap canceled their in-person walk in 2020 because of the pandemic, Dory decided to organize her own Step Up for Autism walk.  Though she had to limit the number of participants because of COVID restrictions on people gathering together, her event raised $10,000.  Buoyed by that success, Dory decided to turn her walk into an annual event.

Everyone is invited to take part in this year’s event.  People can embark on the walk, or they can just come for the bake sale and basket raffle.  The registration fee for the walk is $25.

Dory has again set a goal of raising $10,000.  People interested in helping her reach that target can make a donation in several ways.  They can donate using the form below.  They can mail a check (made payable to “Filling the Gap/Dory’s Walk”) to Filling the Gap, 92 Fairmount Avenue, Jamestown, NY, 14701.  Or they can donate to Dory’s Venmo account, which is @Dory-Matwijkow.  All donations, as well as the money raised from Dory’s event, will be given to Filling the Gap to support the services The Resource Center offers to people on the autism spectrum.

The creation of her own autism walk is just one of the ways Dory supports others.  Four years ago, she started baking sweets to raise money, and the following year she branched out to also bake dog biscuits.  Her treats (for humans and canines) have been popular, allowing her to donate thousands of dollars to The Resource Center and Filling the Gap.

Organizing the walk takes a lot of effort, and Dory is grateful for the support she receives from a group of family and friends that are dubbed “Austin’s Angels.”  She is also appreciative of everyone else who helps make her Step Up for Autism walk a success.

“I thank the volunteers at the event, friends that donate baskets and gift cards, Grand Island businesses that donated money, and my family for their endless help and support year round,” she said. 

“I couldn’t do it without all of the support.”

People who eat at Applebee’s on July 7 can help raise money to support individuals with disabilities through the 27^th annual Laurel Memorial Run and Walk.

All day long, the Applebee’s restaurants in Dunkirk and Lakewood will hold “Dining to Donate” fund-raisers to benefit the Laurel Memorial Run/Walk.  The restaurants will allow patrons to have 10 percent of their check total – excluding tax and tip – donated to Laurel Run.  People must present a special voucher in order for the money to be donated to Laurel Run.  The voucher can be found below.   You can have a voucher faxed or emailed to you by phoning 716-661-1434.

Please be aware that for the Applebee’s fund-raisers, people will not receive a discount on the cost of their meal.  Rather, 10 percent of what they pay for their meal will be donated to Laurel Run.

Wayne and Elaine Hotelling created Laurel Run in 1997 in honor of their oldest daughter.  The Laurel Memorial Run & Walk is a celebration of the potential that exists within people who have disabilities.  Laurel led a full life, which included having a job at The Resource Center’s Dunkirk Work Center for more than 30 years.  Hundreds of Chautauqua County residents with disabilities have jobs – and hundreds of others volunteer in the community – with support from The Resource Center.

The Laurel Memorial Run/Walk takes place July 14 and 15.  The first day features a Jamestown-to-Dunkirk relay run, while day two includes a number of walking and running events in the Hotellings’ hometown of Silver Creek.  Money raised through Laurel Run goes to Filling the Gap, Inc., which works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities and their families in Western New York.  For more information, visit the Laurel Run web site or phone 716-661-4735.

You can download the vouchers here!

 

Dan and Beth Hocking, Owners of ACME The Appliance Store, recently donated a Weber Gas Grill that will be used for a drawing to support the 27^th Annual TRC Golf Classic.

The TRC Golf Classic is the major annual fund-raising event for Filling the Gap, Inc., a Jamestown-based non-profit organization that works with The Resource Center to support people with disabilities and other socioeconomic challenges in Chautauqua County. In its first 26 years, the tournament has netted over $1.7 million for the TRC Foundation Fund, which raises money to improve the lives of people with disabling conditions in Chautauqua County.

 “The Resource Center fills such an important need in our community,” said Dan Hocking.  “In our 65th year in business, ACME The Appliance Store is pleased to continue our tradition as a community partner and donate this Weber Genesis Gas Grill to help raise money for The Resource Center.  Beth and I are firm believers in giving back to the community where together, we can nurture, uplift and empower others to realize their full potential.  The Resource Center makes an impactful difference in people’s lives on a daily basis, and we are happy to continue to partner with them to support their efforts.”

The 2023 TRC Golf Classic is scheduled for July 24 at Moon Brook Country Club in Jamestown.  For more information or to sponsor, please visit www.trcgolfclassic.com. 

Picture:  l to r – Janel McIntyre, Special Olympics Athlete; Colton Hanson, Special Olympics Athlete; and Dan Hocking, Co-Owner, ACME The Appliance Store

Support people with disabilities by purchasing a special “Laurel Run” newspaper July 7!

Since 2007, the annual “Laurel Memorial Run/Walk” newspaper sale has been a great way to raise money while spreading the word about the event.  This year’s sale will take place Friday, July 7.  The Post-Journal and the Observer will publish the special edition, and volunteers will sell the papers between 6:00 and 10:00 a.m. at the following locations:

• Drive-thru lanes of Tim Hortons in Cassadaga, Dunkirk, Fredonia, Gowanda, Irving, Jamestown, and Lakewood
• Downtown Silver Creek
• Downtown Fredonia
• Downtown Dunkirk

 We express our gratitude to The Post-Journal and Observer for printing the special edition; the volunteers for waking up early and hitting the streets to sell the papers; and the people who buy a Laurel Run/Walk edition.  While most folks who buy a paper know about the sale ahead of time, some people only find out about it that day – they ask what the volunteers are doing, learn that we’re raising money to support people with disabilities, and decide to make a contribution.

We also extend our appreciation to the businesses who allow us to sell papers at their locations each year.  We are particularly indebted to the Kron family (owners of the Tim Hortons cafes in Cassadaga, Dunkirk and Fredonia) and the Tarana family (owners of the Tim Hortons locations in Jamestown and Lakewood) for allowing us to sell papers to their customers.

If you’re interested in helping us sell newspapers (anytime between 6:00 and 10:00 a.m.), register on this page here: https://fillingthegap.net/events/laurel-run/how-you-can-help/newspaper-sales/

Those looking to enjoy a fun night out while supporting people with disabilities should plan to attend the seventh annual Sassy Baggs & Beyond “Blingo” fund-raiser Thursday, March 30.

The event will be held at The Resource Center’s administrative offices at 200 Dunham Avenue in Celoron.  Doors will open at 6:00, with the Blingo games starting at 7:00.  Those planning to attend should park in the rear lot and use the entrance at the top of the ramp.

 The evening will feature 12 games of bingo, with handbags as prizes.  Admission is $20.  Included in the cost of admission are the 12 Blingo games and a chance to win a door prize.

The event is being organized by Filling the Gap, Inc., which works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities in Chautauqua County.  Money raised through Sassy Baggs & Beyond Blingo will benefit The Resource Center Mark Pacheco WOW (Working on Wonders) Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.   The WOW Fund provides money so people with disabilities can enjoy experiences they otherwise could not afford, such as attending concerts or sporting events.

“After a few years of hosting a virtual fund-raiser, we are thrilled to be back in person,” said Victoria Bardo, Development and Event manager for Filling the Gap.  “Sassy Baggs and Beyond Blingo has always been a favorite fund- and friend-raiser for us.  This is a great time for all who attend.  We also provide light snacks and beverages.”

Tickets are available at The Resource Center’s offices on Dunham Avenue and at Filling the Gap’s offices inside the Felice Corporate Center at 92 Fairmount Avenue in Jamestown.  Tickets also can be purchased online at www.fillingthegap.net/events/sassy-baggs-blingo/.  For more information, phone 716-661-1477.

“Tickets are going fast.  You won’t want to miss out on all of the festivities,” Bardo added.

The success of her first two efforts has inspired Dory Matwijkow to again organize a fund-raising walk to support people with autism in Chautauqua County, and she invites everyone to join her.

Dory will hold her third annual Step Up for Autism walk Saturday, October 8, in Beaver Island State Park on Grand Island.  The event begins at 11:00, with the walk scheduled to start at noon.  There also will be a basket raffle with many awesome prizes, as well as a bake sale featuring items made by Dory, who is a professional pastry chef.

Dory is organizing the event because of her son, Austin.  Austin is on the autism spectrum and lives in a home in Jamestown operated by The Resource Center.  Each September, The Resource Center typically hosts its own Step Up for Autism event, and Dory and her family and friends make the long drive to Jamestown to take part.  The group calls themselves “Austin’s Angels.”

When Dory learned in August 2020 that the Step Up for Autism event at The Resource Center would be canceled because of the pandemic, she decided to organize her own walk to raise money for TRC and Filling the Gap, Inc., a Jamestown-based, not-for-profit organization that that works with The Resource Center to improve the lives of people with disabilities and other socioeconomic challenges.

Dory’s first Step Up for Autism event was held September 27, 2020.  Though she had to limit the number of participants because of COVID restrictions on people gathering together, her event raised $10,000.  Dory was overwhelmed by the support she received for her event.  Because it went so well, she decided to hold another walk last year.  That event also raised $10,000.

People are invited to take part in Dory’s Step Up for Autism walk Saturday, or they can just come for the bake sake and basket raffle.  The registration fee for the walk is $25, and registrants will receive a 2022 Step Up for Autism T-shirt.

Dory has again set a goal of raised $10,000.  We encourage people to help her reach that target by making a donation.  You can complete the form below, or you can mail l a check (made payable to “Filling the Gap/Dory’s Walk”) to Filling the Gap, Inc., 92 Fairmount Avenue, Jamestown, NY 14701.  Or they can donate to Dory’s Venmo account, which is @Dory-Matwijkow.  All donations, as well as the money raised at her Step Up for Autism event, will be given to Filling the Gap to support the services The Resource Center offers to people on the autism spectrum.

The creation of her own autism walk is just one of the ways Dory supports others.  Three years ago, she started baking sweets to raise money, and the following year she branched out to also bake dog biscuits.  Her treats (for humans and canines) have been popular, allowing her to donate thousands of dollars to The Resource Center and Filling the Gap.

Officials at The Resource Center and Filling the Gap are grateful to Dory.

“I just want to say how much we appreciate Dory’s efforts and support,” said Cindy Hitchcock, Filling the Gap’s Vice President.  “With providing only a virtual setting for our own Step Up for Autism walk in 2020 and ’21, we were not able to capitalize on the money typically realized through our basket raffle or sweets auction.  Her large donations allowed Filling the Gap to maintain the level of grant funding offered to The Resource Center to assist with their programs.  We can’t thank Dory enough for all of her hard work.”

“We are honored that Dory has stepped up to assist Filling the Gap and The Resource Center with their efforts to support the programs and services available to people who are on the autism spectrum,” said Victoria Trass Bardo, Development and Events Manager.  “The last few years have been difficult for everyone, but Dory with all her enthusiasm was full speed ahead creating her very own version of our event.  We are ever grateful to Dory, her friends and family for supporting TRC and FTG as we strive to make a difference in the lives of everyone we support.”