By: Deanna Rebro | Category: Recreation/Leisure | Issue: May 2009
The Rogers County Training Center’s 24th Annual Golf Classic & Auction takes place May 8-9. (L to R) Bonnie Tubbs, Alan Tubbs, Beth Ann Jensen, Anita Mount, Lisa Bennett, Jonathan Vanbeber and Paula Roland prepare for the big event.
When does your playing for two days help others work for a year? The answer is May 8 and 9 at the Rogers County Training Center’s 24th Annual Golf Classic & Auction.
The Rogers County Training Center (RCTC), located in Claremore at 2112 E. L. Anderson Blvd., is a nonprofit organization that is a subsidiary of Home of Hope, Inc., in Vinita. They provide vocational, social and life skills for people with developmental and physical disabilities. Founded in 1963 by a group of friends and families who wanted their children with special needs to work as independently as possible, RCTC has evolved into a prime employment resource for local businesses and the community.
Paula Roland, 1st Bank Oklahoma marketing director, says that the bank has been a proud sponsor of the annual Golf Classic & Auction since the very first event. Over $485,000 has been raised for such items as a van and a commercial washer and dryer at the Training Center.
The event begins with a tee-off Friday at 8 a.m. at Heritage Hills Golf Course, 3140 Tee Drive in Claremore. More than a hundred golfers, under the direction of golf pro Dave Wilber, will compete in four-man teams. Each team pays a $300 entry fee, which includes lunch and beverages, as well as the opportunity to win golf equipment, trips – even a new Ford pickup truck donated by Jack Kissee Ford. Goldie’s Patio Grill will provide the burgers.
Auction donors Alan and Bonnie Tubbs are contributing a four-day vacation at Moose Bay Lodge in Island Park, Idaho.
The fun continues on Saturday, with both a silent and live auction at the Elks Lodge in Claremore, 1820 Summit Rd. Doors open at 6 p.m., with a suggested donation of $10 per person for admission and appetizers. A silent auction will get the crowd warmed up and set the stage for a live auction with J.B. Robison returning as emcee.
Part entertainer and part businessman, Robison is sure to get lots of laughs as he encourages friendly bidding wars on autographed sports memorabilia, tickets to collegiate and professional sporting events, Tulsa State Fair rodeo tickets, a pie per month for a year from the Hammett House, an AKC registered pooch, and a variety of gift certificates and themed baskets from local businesses and restaurants. One lucky winner will enjoy fly fishing and other outdoor activities for four days at Moose Bay Lodge in Island Park, Idaho, hosted by Alan and Bonnie Tubbs.
But the real winners are the clients who wouldn’t have work or possibly a suitable place to live if not for RCTC. Their enthusiasm as they move items throughout the auction shows you how glad they are to be able to earn a living.
Each of the 50 or so clients goes through extensive assessment to determine his or her job skills. “We focus on what they can do, not what they can’t do,” says Jonathan Vanbeber, program manager. Some are trained for packaging and light to moderate assembly in the workshop. Some clean area businesses, attractions and industrial sites. Others sort aluminum cans, cardboard, paper, plastic, magazines and newsprint for the Rogers County Recycling Program.
RCTC is one of the few places where even a small paycheck can produce a big smile. “Their work means dignity,” says Vanbeber.
Part of the funds from this year’s big event will help expand a new shredding program. Already in the works with several businesses, RCTC plans to go a step further by installing a special security system to handle sensitive document shredding for bigger contracts.
Have a great time while helping others help themselves at the Rogers County Training Center’s 24th Annual Golf Classic & Auction, May 8 and 9. For more information, call Jonathan Vanbeber at (918) 341-5936 x. 204 or Beth Ann Jensen at (918) 266-4275.
Deanna Rebro has worked in the publishing industry 30+ years, including eight years writing for Value News. She has also worked in real estate for the past six years. Deanna graduated from Kent State University in Kent, Ohio with a B.A. in Journalism. Outside of work, she serves as Vice President on the Board of Directors for Pet Adoption League. “Every story I write is a learning experience,” she said.
(918) 288-8953
2112 E.L. Anderson Blvd | Claremore, OK
www.homeofhope.com
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