"We had the same number of golfers and raised the same amount as last year, which is quite a feat in today's economic environment," said Scott Hartman, president and CEO of Rutter's Farm Stores. "Our supplier [image-nocss] community really stepped up to help out the children. What a great feeling."
The goal of Rutter's Children's Charities is to improve the lives of disadvantaged children. Including 2009 contributions, Rutter's charitable giving will top $2 million over the past seven years.
Family-owned and third-generation managed, the York, Pa.-based Rutter's companies include about 50 Rutter's Farm Stores in Pennsylvania, as well as Rutter's Dairy and M&G Realty, a real-estate development company.
Separately, Altoona, Pa.-based Sheetz Inc. hosted its 11th "For the Kidz" Golf Classic May 17-18 at Firestone Country club in Akron, Ohio, raising more than $500,000 to provide underprivileged children a more meaningful Christmas holiday.
Former Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway attended together with other celebrity guests that include Coach Lou Holtz, former Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens defensive back, Rod Woodson, and former MLB manager, Whitey Herzog.
Sheetz Family Christmas, now referred to as "For the Kidz," began in 1992 when employees of the convenience store chain in Blair County, Pa., raised money to help deserving families during the holidays.
The "For the Kidz" golf outing raises money that is used by Sheetz employees to purchase clothing, toys, and other presents for kids at Christmastime. The children attend holiday parties that are hosted by Sheetz employees throughout all six states that Sheetz operates in. Local children are then given the gifts that were bought especially for them.
"The 'For the Kidz' Golf Classic is an amazing event. We are very fortunate to have wonderful support from our vendors and employees for this program," said Louie Sheetz, executive vice president of marketing for the chain. "The continued success of this event benefits more children each year."
Additional celebrities attending the event include former MLB stars Dave Giusti, Jim Rooker, Kent Tekulve, Rick Reuschel, former NFL stars Al Jenkins, Mike Wagner, L.C. Greenwood, Mel Blount and Jack Ham. Cleveland Browns quarterback, Brady Quinn, University of South Carolina head football coach, Steve Spurrier, and LPGA star Rachel Hetherington round out the group. Also participating in the event is ESPN Sportscenter anchor John Anderson.
Last year, the Sheetz Family Charities program raised more than $450,000 and made the 2008 holiday season special for more than 4,250 kids across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina. Since 1992, Sheetz employees have raised a total of more than $5.5 million for Sheetz Family Charities and have helped more than 47,000 children.
Also, The Penn State Altoona Advisory Board will mark the 25th anniversary of its Sheetz-Pepsi Golf Tournament June 10, 2009, with daylong activities at Park Hills Country Club.
All golfers will receive specially produced commemorative glassware to celebrate the milestone.
The event begins with registration and a luncheon, followed by a noon shotgun start. The tournament format is best ball of the foursome with full handicap. The schedule also includes a hors d'oeuvres reception, buffet dinner and awards program. Prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third-place teams overall and to the winners of various skill contests. In addition, a trophy will be awarded to the first-place corporate team.
Golfers will be participating in four hole-in-one contests sponsored by the Penn State Altoona Bookstore. The grand prize is $10,000.
Tee sponsorships are available for $100. The registration fee of $150 per person includes lunch, dinner, greens fee, cart, beverage and snack service, prizes, and use of locker room. All proceeds benefit Advisory Board initiatives that support the college.
Sheetz operates more than 350 convenience locations throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio and North Carolina.
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