MANCHESTER – There was a hole in one, a few divots and plenty of laughs but residents of Leisure Village (LVW) weren’t just puttering around when it came to a recent fundraiser that benefited autism research.
The senior community’s Bocce & Social Club gathered for a morning of golf at the nine-hole Willow Hall Golf Course. Fourteen foursomes took part in the fundraiser.
Printed sponsored signs will be posted at every hole and fun events are planned, including closest to the pin, longest drive, best score, along with a putt-putt contest with donations for POAC.
POAC Autism Services is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, According, to their website, “each year the organization provides hundreds of events for the autism community including: training for parents and educators; recreational and support services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families; and training for police and first responders which is saving the lives of children/adults with autism throughout the state.”
The agency sponsored the first statewide program for the early detection of and intervention for children with autism and supports and promotes legislative issues that affect those with autism and their families. POAC has also supported and directed millions of research dollars.
In addition to friends and family of LVW, 13 Manchester High School students accompanied staff and coaches and helped out during the event. The Bocce & Social Club Board, along with members of KLVW’s (LVW’s TV station).
The station’s Walk the Talk hosts Rob Lombardo and Alex Peck, have formed a relationship with Manchester’s coaches and support the student body.
Peck, who is also the president of the Bocce Club welcomed everyone during the shotgun start. “The enthusiasm and respect from our senior community, Manchester High School students volunteering community service, and sponsored businesses and individuals, was overwhelming. It was a great day all around.”
Frank Lepore takes a swing during the Leisure Village West Bocce & Social Club benefit for autism. (Photo by Bob Vosseller)
“It is a great turnout. We’ve been blessed with some decent weather. We’re here to have fun,” he added.
Afterwards, lunch was served up and awards were presented across the street at the Willow Clubhouse for all volunteers and participants.
The winners included, First Place Foursome – Frank Lepore, Peter Cofinas, Michael Bottaro and Michael Hrehovcik. Closest to the pin was Ken Kostroun while longest drive went to Kevin Ryan. The putt-putt category winners featured Louis Viggiano in first place, Donna Deane in second and Lillian Specht in third place.
Hrehovcik said he was a regular golfer at the course and that his home was close by. He joked that his friend and fellow golfer Frank Lepore, “talks a lot.”
Lepore countered, “you can walk around all nine holes and he’ll have plenty to say to you.”
Both men participated in last year’s golf fundraiser as well which benefitted autism research. “It is a great event. Alex does a great job. I admire them, they are great leaders. The organization is tremendous,” Hrehovcik said.
First Place Foursome winners from left to right, Frank Lepore, Peter Cofinas, Michael Bottaro and Michael Hrehovcik. (Photo courtesy By Bill Johnson of KLVW TV)
“We played at the Pines last year. I live right near here as well,” Lepore said.
Manchester High School student and Golf team member Giovanni Tripidi said, “out golf team is out here trying to get some service hours in and to hang out. We have five of us from the golf team today and some others from the high school.
“We’ll give some pointers if they want them and help out where we can,” he added.
Club Secretary Natalie Lombardo reported “the total raised funds from the event were $4,000. We are so excited to be presenting this at our meeting on May 6 to POAC Director Gary Weitzen.” April is Autism Awareness month.
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