(LOWVILLE, N.Y.) – The Volunteer Transportation Center Foundation’s Annual Volunteer Transportation Center Jefferson-Lewis Golf Tournament, which marked its eighth year, has been deemed a huge success.
The tournament – hosted at Cedars Golf Course in Lowville Sept. 9 – saw 43 teams compete and raised $23,000 to help the VTC provide transportation to those in need in Jefferson and Lewis Counties. “We are once again incredibly pleased with the turnout for this tournament and thrilled to see it continue to raise crucial funding for the Volunteer Transportation Center,” said Jeremiah S. Papineau, the nonprofit organization’s Director of Communications and Foundation Director. “We always appreciate the support of this tournament and the great partnership with have with Cedars. Every year, J.R. Chamberlain and his staff do a great job hosting. We can’t wait to be back next year.”
The tournament, which followed a captain and crew format, saw a team led by Caleb Houppert take first place in the A Flight with a score of 53. Following in second place was a team led by Bob Finley with a 54 and, in third place, a team led by Joe Anderson with a 54.
In the B Flight, a team led by Sam Purington took first place with a score of 60. Following in second place was a team led by Greg Millard with a 60, and, in third place, a team led by Cody Houppert with a 61.
In the Co-Ed Flight, a team led by Jeff Bush took first place with a score of 55. Following in second place was a team led by Margaret Sweredoski with a 57 and, in third place, a team led by Mark Millard with a 59.
This year’s tournament was underwritten by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Watertown Savings Bank, Stewart’s Shops, the Glenn and Carol Pearsall Adirondack Foundation, the Kinney Drugs Foundation, and One Digital/Benefit Services Group. Additional sponsors included, at the Eagle Level – Atlantic Testing Laboratories, NFP, Service Plus Automotive, Staie on the Seaway/Appraisals USA, The Bonadio Group, Wratten’s RVs, and Mr. Bruce Moser. Birdie Level sponsors included Carthage Savings and Loan, Colello Air Technologies, Fuller Insurance Agency, Jeb’s Restaurant, Jefferson County Sheriffs Employee Council 82 Local 3089, Johnson Lumber, RBC Wealth Management, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7227. Par Level sponsors included Carthage Elks Lodge 1762; Caskinette’s Ford; Chang’s Barber Shop; Christman Fuel Service; GYMO Architecture, Engineering & Land Surveying; Hanno’s Hometown Car Wash; Homes Realty of Northern New York; Luigi’s Pizzeria; and the Campaign to Elect Jeffery G. Tompkins. Hole-in-one prizes were provided by Price Chopper and Wratten’s RV.
Raffle prizes were donated by A To Z Liquors; Adirondack Foothills, American Maple Museum; Big Apple Watertown; Blinky’s Liquors; Bonaparte Wine & Spirits; Cedar Hedge Farm; Colwell’s Farm Market; Croghan Meat Market; Doyle’s Pub; Duffy’s Digs Jewelry; Dunkin’; Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Five Corners Greenhouse; Griff’s Redemption Center; Hair & There; Harrisville Hardware; Hopenhagen Farm; Kinney Drugs; Kraft Heinz Foods Company; Little Friends Veterinary Services; Lloyd’s of Lowville; Lowville Farmers Co-Op; Northern Glass; O’Brien Dairy; Otis Technology; PB&J Café; Pioneer Café; Sahara Restaurant; Sam’s Club; Service Plus Automotive; Snow Ridge Ski Resort; The Cottage Inn; The Village Inn; Tops Friendly Markets; Treats and Tiques; Tug Hill Estate; Tyro Automotive; Vinny’s Pizzeria; Walmart Supercenter; Watertown Daily Times; White’s Farm Supply; Ms. Nettie Mothersell; Ms. Jennifer Cross; Mr. Sam Purington; Ms. Donna Barnhart; and Mr. and Mrs. George and Kathy Birth. The date for next year’s tournament is slated for Saturday, Sept. 7, 2023, at Cedars Golf Course. Details will be forthcoming as the date approaches.
ABOUT THE VOLUNTEER TRANSPORTATION CENTER
The Volunteer Transportation Center, Inc. (VTC), established in 1991, drives thousands of miles each year assisting community members in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties and beyond. Over the last 30 years, this essential non-profit organization has provided rides to health care appointments, food sources and other critical needs destinations for residents.
In 2022, volunteer drivers provided 26,487 charitable trips over 878,240 miles in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. Of those miles, 376,604 helped those in Jefferson County, 137,743 in Lewis County, and 363,893 in St. Lawrence County. That equated to approximately $439,120 in mileage reimbursement for our volunteers. The staff, boards of directors and volunteer drivers look forward to a time when transportation to community activities and services is accessible to all North Country residents regardless of economic or specialized needs. But for now the mission drives on — striving to provide transportation to health, wellness and critical needs destinations utilizing volunteers and mobility management for anyone who has barriers to transportation.
For more information about how you can help the Volunteer Transportation Center, about its upcoming events, or to become a volunteer driver, contact the agency in Jefferson and Lewis Counties at 315-788-0422, in St. Lawrence County at 315-714-2034, or Western New York at 585-250-5030. Volunteers drive their own cars, set their own hours and receive mileage reimbursement but, more importantly, make a difference in the community. To learn more, visit www.volunteertransportationcenter.org.