Annual winter golf outing creates summer camp opportunities for children with special needs

 

On Saturday, February 2, 2013, more than 500 hearty souls showed up at Hale Farm and Village to support the Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs. The Akron Rotary Club’s Chili Open, presented by Wayne Homes, is a one-of-a-kind winter golf experience. The historic grounds of Hale Farm and Village were transformed into four golf courses. Indoors, Whitey’s Chili was served and guests enjoyed the music provided by the Beach Boyz. The event raised more than $150,000, which will provide assistance for more than 400 campers to experience summer camp.

 

 

 "The amount of support and generosity we received this year was amazing," said Akron Rotary Camp Executive Director Dan Reynolds. "An event like this really shows what a great community we're a part of. It's always humbling to see how many people are dedicated to providing campers with memories and experiences that last a lifetime."

 

On Tuesday, February 5, 2013 the Rotary Club of Akron honored Willoughby Supply Company President Al Romanini as its 2013 Ambassador of Service. This award is given to those who provide ongoing service to the greater community and exemplify the spirit of Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.” The award is given in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Akron’s Chili Open each year.

 

Romanini has been a supporter of the Akron Rotary Camp through support of the Wayne Homes Chili Open for many years. His effort has helped the Rotary Club of Akron provide financial assistance to families of children with special needs the opportunity to have typical camping experiences and to grow and learn in the outdoors at the Akron Rotary Camp.

 

After his first visit to camp three years ago, Romanini offered support to the capital campaign, pledging through Willoughby Supply, to donate all of the roofing materials for the new cabins, bathhouse and Great Hall. This significant contribution to the camp’s transformation is making a real difference for the campers.

 

This is Romanini’s first humanitarian award, and he is very proud to be honored by such a fantastic organization. When asked why he donates, he simply said, “It’s for kids, and more importantly children with special needs. Furthermore, not only do they help these children, but they also have a respite program for their parents. It’s an awesome place!”

 

Al Romanini and his wife Lisa live in Bainbridge with their children Allisa, Anthony, Abigail and Allison.

 

 

About the Akron Rotary Camp

Each summer for 89 years the Rotary Club of Akron has sponsored the Akron Rotary Camp, where children with special needs throughout Ohio have been invited to spend a week at camp. While there, they enjoy many traditional activities including swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, sports and games, team building and more, in the convenient and accessible natural setting. When campers leave the Akron Rotary Camp at the end of each session, they not only leave with lifelong memories and friends, but also show more independence and a greater understanding of themselves and their abilities. For more information about the Akron Rotary Camp, please call the camp offices at 330- 644-4512 or visit gotcamp.org.

 

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Media Contact:
Dan Reynolds
Akron Rotary Camp
danr@akronymca.org
330-644-4512

 

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