Rotary Club Celebrates Success of 36th Annual Chili Open Golf Classic

Presented by Katy Miller and Mella Castner

The 36th annual Akron Rotary Chili Open Golf Classic, presented by Wayne Homes, was an enormous success, and we are happy to share that it raised a total of $359,132! We are extremely grateful to everyone who supported the event and helped make it a continued success benefiting Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs, Inc. 

 

Click here to watch some highlights of the Chili Open!

 

The majority of the funds raised came from sponsorships and camperships. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped secure sponsors or served as sponsors themselves. We were especially grateful to have representatives from our top sponsors in attendance, whose generosity and commitment make it possible for families to send their children to camp.

  • Wayne Homes – Keith Anstine, Todd Brown, Jen Collinsworth, Kelly Odegard, and Morgan Wagner  

  • Industrial Tube & Steel Corporation - Dick Siess and Geoff Siess
  • VanDevere Automotive Family – Jerry VanDevere and Katie Bender
  • Wealth Impact Advisors – Jim Redmond

Congratulations to John Reyes, recipient of the 2026 Jim Redmond Ambassador of Service Award. This award was established in 1991 to recognize community leaders who have gone above and beyond in support of the Rotary Club of Akron, Akron Rotary Camp, and the Akron Community. John joined the Rotary Club of Akron in 1994, serving in various roles, including District Governor (2019-2020), and on multiple district committees. He is actively involved in community organizations, including serving on the Board of The Well CDC, Inc., and Walsh Jesuit High School, as well as on the Summit County Board of Building Appeals. John is honored to receive this award in 2026 and plans to continue supporting Rotary activities. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition as the 2026 Chili Open Ambassador of Service!

 

We also want to acknowledge our key in-kind Sponsors:

  • Hale Farm and Village for being the ideal venue for the Chili Open.
  • Main Street Gourmet for providing delicious desserts.
  • Lala’s in the Lakes for providing the delicious pasta.
  • The Basement for trays of healthy salad.
  • Pearl Coffee Company for pots of delicious hand-roasted coffee
  • SGD Golf for providing the bright yellow Chili Open golf balls for every golfer; and lastly.
  • Whitey’s Booze N Burgers for providing all the chili and fixings and serving as the Official Chili of the Chili Open.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all our Rotarians, sponsors, and friends of Rotary who played a vital role in selling, purchasing, and promoting raffle tickets. Together, we raised a remarkable $49,760 in raffle ticket sales. 

 

A special thank you to VanDevere Automotive Family for their generous donation of the 2026 Buick Envista through their Thrive and Drive Program. This marks our 13th year collaborating with them for the Car Raffle, and we are deeply grateful for their continued partnership and commitment to supporting our campers and their families.

 

Congratulations to the lucky raffle ticket winners:

  • 1st Prize: David O’Neal won the 2026 Buick Envista Preferred (photo below)
  • 2nd Prize: George Murphy – $2,500 flooring voucher from Barrington Carpet & Flooring
  • 3rd Prize: Monica Stevens – North Course Golf Package at Firestone Country Club.
  • SnowMania – Sandy and Jeff Naragon

Make sure to redeem your $10 off Oil Change voucher at any of the VanDevere Chevy, Buick, Kia or Cadillac locations, and your $15 coupon off the purchase of two entrees at Lala’s in the Lakes, located at 4315 Manchester Road, Akron.
 

We had the honor of hearing from a dedicated Rotary Camp parent, Jen Connor, who is the proud mother of Tyler (photo right), one of our adult campers. At 24 years old, Tyler has been attending Rotary Camp for many years, particularly enjoying the summer overnight camps and respite weekends. Jen and Tyler also take part in our holiday celebrations, with their favorite being the Christmas party featuring Santa.

 

The Chili Open is the primary fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Akron and plays a vital role in supporting the operational needs of Akron Rotary Camp. The success of this event stems from the commitment of our Club, Rotary Camp, Rotary Foundation, and our corporate community. We deeply appreciate everyone’s contributions and support in ensuring that the Chili Open continues to thrive, benefiting our campers and their families. 

 

Mark your calendars to attend the 37th annual Chili Open Golf Classic on Saturday, February 6, 2027, at Hale Farm and Village.

 

Sponsors