"2013 Goodwill Celebrity Golf Outing Tees Off Successfully Despite Stormy Start!"

The 2013 Goodwill Celebrity Golf Outing teed off only a few minutes late on the morning of June 13th, despite torrential rain and stormy skies for the early part of the set-up and check-in time. Fortunately, good humor and positive optimism on the part of Goodwill volunteers, Glenview staff team members, celebrities, players and the outing organizers prevailed and almost 200 golfers got off to an almost sunny start.This year marked the 13th anniversary of the Goodwill Golf event and Honorary Chairman Joe Walter along with President and CEO, Joe Byrum thanked the assembled sponsors, players and volunteers for their support over the past 13 years. “We could not have this wonderful event without your support and participation and we are very grateful for your on-going commitment to Goodwill’s mission of service to individuals with disabilities,” said Joe Byrum, President and CEO. The annual golf outing is the single fund-raising event that the organization hosts each year in support of its programs and services.

Honorary Chairman Joe Walter and Outing Coordinator, Doug Ostholthoff, standing with CARE greeters and volunteers. Goodwill President and CEO Joe Byrum standing with CARE Supervisor Lois Kramer and 2013 CARE Greeters.

After the official launch, the 2013 Goodwill golf outing players enjoyed playing 18 holes on the beautiful Glenview course along with their celebrity partners. As always, Honorary Chair Joe Walter welcomed a host of his celebrity friends including Bengal luminaries Jim Breech, David Fulcher, David Lapham and more. “I am always so happy to join with my fellow athletes in supporting such an important cause,” said Joe Walter. The 2013 Goodwill Golf Outing also marked the return of its celebrated volunteer team from its CARE (Center for Advocacy, Recreation and Education) program; partner agency, Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services as well as Stephanie Mitchell, former Golf Outing co-chair. One of the highlights of the annual event in recent years has been the Spectacular Helicopter Ball Drop and this year was no exception. Thousands of golf balls were dropped from a helicopter by Goodwill Board member, Jim Armour, to the delight of the watching spectators, following the end of play. The 2013 lucky winner of the $2500 Grand Prize was selected by Joe Walter, Doug Ostholthoff and past co-chair Stephanie Mitchell as they picked up the ball that landed closest to the pin. “The 13th annual Goodwill Celebrity Golf Outing was once again a fantastic success thanks to the hard work of everyone involved and the support of our sponsors, players and volunteers,” said Outing Coordinator, Doug Ostholthoff. The day’s festivities ended with a lavish dinner buffet sponsored by Lother’s Catering followed by sponsor recognition, silent auction winner announcements and the most looked forward to part of the outing, the annual contest winners. Ohio Valley Goodwill is grateful to 2013 Presenting Sponsors MVD Communications and US Bank, Beverage Sponsor: Palmer Leasing, Cart Sponsor: Rumpke, Helicopter Ball Drop Sponsor: Tape Products; Grill Station Sponsor: Village Pantry Catering, Dinner Sponsor: Lother’s Catering, Signage Sponsor: Holthaus-Lackner Signs, Hole-in-One Sponsor: McCluskey Chevrolet as well as Celebrity Host, Joe Walter. Our sincere thanks to all of our 2013 sponsors, players, volunteers and friends for their on-going support of Ohio Valley Goodwill and our mission of service to the Greater Cincinnati community. Each year, the organization serves almost 3000 people with disabilities and our nation’s veterans. It is community support that makes our mission possible. Watch for the 2013 Goodwill Celebrity Golf Outing Photo Gallery coming next week.