The Duneland Family YMCA was joined Monday, August 12^th, by the Chesterton Duneland Kiwanis to host their successful 10^th annual golf outing at Sand Creek Country Club. Over the last decade, the two organizations have provided a philanthropic and fun day out of the office for local golf enthusiasts to tackle the course, network, and raise funds for a mutual worthy cause: the funding of local youth programming. “I am so pleased by the amazing support from both golfers and sponsors, for our 10^th annual golf outing,” reported Dave Kasarda, Duneland Family YMCA CEO. “The proceeds from the YMCA and Kiwanis Golf Outing directly benefit our community by funding vital programs and services that foster youth development, promote healthy living, and support social responsibility. Through these efforts, we are able to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families, ensuring a stronger, more connected community for all,” explained Kasarda.

Incoming Kiwanis president, Abigail Fahrenkrog, was equally ecstatic with the event’s turnout of 120 golfers. “I truly believe that the most important pillar of a community is the children and it’s wonderful that we can partner with the Y to provide for such amazing opportunities,” said Fahrenkrog.

The excitement of having some youth programming, such as camp this summer and ongoing aquatics activities, already underway at the new YMCA Healthy Living Campus (YHLC) was a topic of discussion amongst the event planners and participants alike. “There is absolutely joint excitement amongst the organizations for the YHLC and the programming possibilities for kids to come,” said Kiwanis member Tom Webb, who organizes the golf outing each year with Duneland Family YMCA CEO Dave Kasarda. “This is one of our favorite fundraisers to be a part of each year because it’s a great way help support youth causes while golfing at such a prestigious course,” explained Webb. “It’s really fun!”

Annual outing participant Nate Cobbs, who serves as Board President at Jacob’s Ladder Pediatric Rehabilitation, said that he was even more thrilled to attend the fundraiser this year as the YHLC planning continues forward. “On behalf of myself and Jacob’s Ladder I can say that we are over the moon,” exclaimed Cobbs. “I think the campus will be a game changer for all of us in Duneland. It will bring so many people and businesses together, just like this event does for so many of us each year!” While fellow longtime outing participant and YMCA supporter Mike Trout agreed with Cobbs that, “it’s a beautiful day with beautiful people for a beautiful cause, ”there is still a lively bit of competition taking place on the course. Securing victories in the longest drive male and female competitions were Zack Wellsand and Lori Tubbs, respectively. Of the 30 competing foursomes, the all male team of Aaron Adcock, Samuel Chumbley, Zach Lynk, and Peter Von Tobel won their category while the champion all female team consisted of Tricia Hall, Denise Carpenter, Shannon Wilder, and Ashley Nylen. Wellsand, who with his wife DeAnna chairs the YHLC Community Campaign, was a triple winner on the day also taking the co-ed and overall team titles partnering with his spouse and family members Jake Wellsand and Dan Perez.