Otteman Classic raises money for local programs
Nice weather, good food, great people and an electric atmosphere.
These elements were all present at the sixth annual
Amy Otteman Memorial Classic on July 14.
Held at Riverwood Golf Course in Mount Pleasant, the
Classic consisted of 45 teams featuring 180 participants.
Suzi Tengen, mother of Amy and a member of the family
oriented planning committee, said she is appreciative of the continued
support.
"Thanks to everyone who came and was involved in the
golf event," Tengen said.
"This event is a healing tool for us (family) and helps
us provide something positive from a tragic event."
Otteman, who was an athlete and a graduate of Mount
Pleasant High School, was an Oncology/Renal nurse.
She graduated from Bronson Methodist Hospital and often
spent time in the pediatric ward at Bronson because of her love for children.
Funds raised at the event benefit Mount Pleasant High
School student-athletes and Central Michigan Community Hospital.
After funding three $1,000 scholarships for qualifying
MPHS students, the balance of the money goes to the nurses program at
CMCH, funding things such as nurses education, training and certifications.
MPHS students must meet the following criteria to qualify
for a scholarship: a varsity letterwinner in track or basketball, or pursue
an education in the medical field and have a grade point average between
2.8 and 3.4 on a 4.0 scale.
Tim Otteman, Amy's brother and planning committee member,
said the family and community involvement have a big impact on the event.
"The event is continually growing and we get continued
support from the community," Otteman said.
"It's been a cooperative effort and we had a great
day for the event."
In addition to the many contests on the course, the
main action of the event took place during the live auction.
The live auction, in addition to the silent auction
raised $7,654.
During the live auction, participants had the opportunity
to bid on various autographed items by people such as Tiger Woods, Payne
Stewart, Dale Earnhardt, Gordie Howe and Larry Bird.
The planning committee's initial goal for the event
was to raise $50,000 over five years.
According to Tengen, the event has raised $50,751 with
over $13,000 raised last year.
The final tally from this year's event was $14,403.48,
pushing the six-year total to $65,154.50.
Tengen said that Amy was an organ donor and that the
Gift of Life from Ann Arbor was involved in the event.
The Gift of Life provided T-shirts to approximately
30 volunteers and items for goodies bags for the golfers.
Tengen also said that she hoped having the Gift of
Life involved with the event would encourage participants to register
for organ donation through the Gift of Life.
Recognition of support for the event included the hole
sponsors, which requires a $60 donation, the 'Wall of Friends' who donate
$20 or more and the 'Circle of Friends' for the individual or family who
goes above and beyond in their support of the event.
This year's inductee into the 'Circle of Friends' is
the Pisoni Family; Chuck, Nancy, Paul and Amy.
The family has donated money, played golf and donated
their time at the event each year.
John Ivkov, St. Clair Shores resident and 1998 CMU
alumna, has attended the event from its start and continues to be impressed
with the event.
"This is one of the most well organized events out
there," Ivkov said.
"The people are friendly, there's a family atmosphere
here and with the auctions, you want to spend your money."
The 2001 Amy Otteman Memorial Classic will be held
at 8:30 a.m., July 13, at Riverwood.
