Players Look to Give Back to The J, JFCS in Republic Bank Players Challenge

The annual Republic Bank Players Challenge is right around the corner and it’s time to sign up for a day that’s jam-packed with golf, games and fun contests. This year’s event will also include a Bourbon tasting.

The 12th annual Republic Bank Players Challenge benefitting The J and Jewish Family & Career Services is Monday, June 20, at Standard Club. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and the tournament begins at 12:30 p.m. Bridge and Canasta begin at 1 p.m. For the players, winning is fun, but participating is what’s most important.

Mark Eichengreen

Mark Eichengreen

Mark Eichengreen has played in the Players Challenge 18-hole golf tournament for three years, and says the purpose of playing is far greater than getting a hole-in-one.

“I’m 60 years old and I’ve been going to the JCC for 60 years. I’m there until they carry me out,” Eichengreen said. “The Players Challenge also benefits JFCS and I’m involved there too, therefore, I want to help as much as I can.”

Eichengreen, who grew up going to kindergarten and summer camps at The J said it’s an organization that’s helped form who he is and he wants other people to have the same opportunity. The Players Challenge raises money to support both The J and Jewish Family & Career Services.

JFCS is a non-profit human services organization devoted to strengthening family, individual and work and community life to enhance self-sufficiency that reflects Jewish tradition. Money raised will help subsidize counseling services at JFCS to help individuals strengthen their lives.

Similarly, The J is a human service agency committed to enhancing the quality of family life and promoting the physical, intellectual and spiritual wellness of the individual. It provides health-related activities and cultural and educational programs that serve the community at large, including at-risk populations. Membership and services are offered to the Jewish and general community. Other funds raised will go to helping families in need attend The J’s programs such as summer camps and the senior nutrition program, and to support programs like the PJ Library and BBYO.

The fun-filled day is full of sports, contests and games. Many people, like Eichengreen, enjoy the 18-hole golf scramble. For non-golfers, the Republic Bank Players Challenge offers a Duplicate Bridge Tournament and Canasta Tournament as well as an opportunity to wet your whistle with a Heaven Hill Bourbon tasting.

“It’s a lot of fun! Old friends come and we play golf all day all while benefitting the place that’s helped form who I am today,” Eichengreen said.

“Anyone who plays knows they’re helping to provide for families and kids who don’t have the fiscal means to go to camps or seek counseling services,” Eichengreen said. “What better way to help ensure other kids get to make the same memories I once did?”

Don’t hesitate to join the fun with your friends and family. Now is the time to sign up. For information on how you can participate in the Republic Bank Players Challenge, contact Kathryn Fetter at kfetter@jfcslouisville.org or call 502-452-6341.

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