Wesleyan Open Raises $1,200 for Charity

Participants in the 14th Annual Wesleyan Open raised $1,200 at the event and donated their earnings to the North End Action Team (NEAT). NEAT is a neighborhood organization created to develop grassroots leadership in the north end of Middletown and provide positive change.

The 18-hole round was held July 14 at Banner Lodge Country Club in Moodus, Conn. Players broke into 12 groups of four players each.

“The Wes Open, traditionally, has been a great way for members of the campus community to get together, enjoy a game of golf and have some fun,” says 14-year participant Lou Onofrio, maintenance and repair mechanic at Physical Plant- Facilities. “But once we got our participation number up, we decided to start raising funds for a local charity.”

All participants pay a $100 entry fee which includes an 18-hole round, prizes and dinner. A portion of the fee is collected for a charity. In the past, funds went to the American Red Cross of Middletown, the Make-a-Wish Foundation and the Connecticut Food Bank.

Frank Kuan, director of community relations, suggested the golfers support the North End Action Team this year. On July 25, Kuan and Wes Open co-chairs Onofrio; David Meyer, director of Public Safety; and Sean Higgins, Lock Shop foreperson for Physical Plant-Facilities, presented Lydia Brewster, NEAT community organizer, with the check for $1,200.

“We are so appreciative to be nominated for this support,” Brewster said. “We can really use this gift to help with our general operating costs.”

Joe Filanda, journeyman locksmith in Physical Plant – Facilities, brought home the first place Wes Open award, a three-foot-tall, recycled trophy. The prize, which appears to be a former Wesleyan Chess Club trophy, has been modified for the golfers, and is passed to the new Wesleyan Open winner each year.

“Most of us are avid golfers, but we cover every range of ability,” Meyer says. “Mostly we’re about having a good time and showing some support to local groups.”

As its name suggests, the Wesleyan Open is open to any Wesleyan staff, faculty, friends and family. The 2008 event will be held July 13. For more information, or to pre-register, contact David Meyer at 860-685-2809.