Golfers watch the fourth of their foursome drive at the Players Challenge on June 25. See the photo gallery on page 14 for more highlights. (Community photos by Tara Cocco)
For the first time in more than a decade, The Republic Bank Players Challenge at the Standard Club was almost rained out.
Ironically, the special gift for each player at this year’s event, which took place on June 25, was a reverse umbrella.
Fortunately, the rain finally let up around 1 p.m., allowing the players to take to the fairways.
“Despite the rain, everyone had a great time and we were able to raise money for so many families,” said Mark R. Behr, co-chair for the tournament. “We’ve decided we may need to give out sun tan lotion instead of umbrellas to help bring the sunshine next year.”
While the players waited for the rain to subside, they enjoyed lunch sponsored by Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill and bid on exciting auction items. Shortly after the tournament began, a group of almost 40 ladies played mahjong, canasta and bridge.
The afternoon of friendly competition and comradery wrapped up with cocktails sponsored by Heaven Hill Brands and a catered dinner and awards ceremony. Congratulations to the following golf winners: First place: Lance Gilbert, Jeff Jasnoff, Jason Gilbert, Matt Jasnoff; second place: John Grossman, Heather Grossman, Julia Barker, Jeremy Barker; third place: Jason Greer, Danny Mason, Mac Telle and Richard Schultz; longest putt: Matt Jasnoff; straightest drive: Jim Morguelan and Heather Grossman; closest to the pin: Jim Fine and John Grossman; longest drive: Mac Telle.
The Republic Bank Players Challenge is a collaborative fundraiser for The Jewish Community Center (The J) and Jewish Family & Career Services (JFCS). This year’s event was a tremendous success raising more than $88,000 in sponsorships, donations, registration fees, and silent auction revenue. The funds are shared by both organizations and supports families in need through scholarships, subsidized counseling, and other family-oriented programming.
We are grateful to Republic Bank for their continued commitment to our Jewish community and for their many years of title sponsorship of this special event. We also thank Kindred Healthcare, Jewish Heritage Fund for Excellence and Kosair Charities for stepping up in such a big way to support families in need.
(Watch next month’s Community for an ad thanking this year’s sponsors and all of the companies and individuals that donated to the silent auction.)