Stepping Stones’ 18th Annual Golf Classic Raises $82K+ for Disabilities Programming

More than 180 golfers hit the links to support Stepping Stones’ programs for individuals with disabilities, raising more than $82,000 for the nonprofit. The Stepping Stones Golf Classic was held Monday, June 10 at O’Bannon Creek Golf Club in Loveland.

Don and Judy Mills (Terrace Park), their daughter Whitney Eckert, and husband Charlie (Walnut Hills) compete in Stepping Stones' 18th Annual Golf Classic. Whitney Eckert serves as president of the nonprofit's Board of Trustees.

By tradition, the annual fundraiser coincides with the opening day of Summer Day Camp at Stepping Stones. The nine-week program provides engaging recreational activities for individuals ages 6-22 with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The camp experience allows young people with disabilities to find pathways to independence, make lifelong friends, and take part in new experiences in a safe and fun environment.

Rob Plough (Cleves), Bobby Barfield (Burlington, KY), Steve Jones (Morrow), and Richard White (Burlington, KY) represented Flowers Foods, the golf tournament’s “Off-theGrill” sponsor.

“It’s hard for me to describe the benefit Stepping Stones has in the community – it’s phenomenal,” Steve Mennen, Stepping Stones Board of Trustees member and chair of the golf tournament, said. “The way the organization functions and the strength of their programs is really a wonderful thing to witness.”

Tom Moore (Brunswick, NJ), Chris Adams (Terrace Park), Janet Coleman (Wilmington, NC), and John Hassan (Indian Hill) take a break on the course at Stepping Stones Golf Classic. Adams serves as the agency’s executive director, and Hassan is on its Board of Trustees.

Winners of the Golf Classic’s morning flight were Todd Block, Price McLane, Jaime Masters and George Musekamp. Afternoon champions were Stepping Stones Board of Trustees Member David Eltringham, Matt Eltringham, Thad Reinhard and Mike Weitzman.

The team representing Niagara Bottling, Nick Goss (Union, KY), Steve Mennen (Loveland), Tim Goss (Louisville, KY) and Tom Tweedlie (West Chester) take a break on the course. Mennen chaired the golf tournament and serves on Stepping Stones' Board of Trustees.

Joining Mennen on the tournament’s planning committee were John Borchers Jr., Graham Mercurio, George Musekamp, Jack Oliver and Trey Woeste.

Matt Eltringham and his father, Stepping Stones Board of Trustees Member David Eltringham were popular on the course when they came bearing pizza. The pair, both of Loveland) were on the afternoon flight’s winning team.

Major sponsors of the Golf Classic were Niagara Bottling, presenting sponsor, as well as the Rendigs Foundation, Edgewell Private Brands, and the Kraft Heinz Company.

 Nate Cowgill (Madisonville), Michael White (Forest Park), Sara Ann Lauterbach (Columbus), and Kellie Weckstein (Dayton) represented Redbull North America in the golf tournament.

Stepping Stones provides educational, recreation, and social programs for children, teens and adults with a range of disabilities. The nonprofit agency, founded in 1963, operates four campuses in the Greater Cincinnati area and serves more than 1,000 individuals annually.

For more information: www.SteppingStonesOhio.org