Cleveland Clinic Akron General Women's Board Auction to benefit The Challenge Golf Program

On behalf of the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Women's Board, thank you for supporting our Online Auction.  With your generous giving the event raised more than $22,000.00 for the Challenge Golf Program, which centers on the core idea that rehabilitation through golf has significant physical, emotional, and social value; with activities for all ages and that includes children.   

The Challenge Golf Program could not do what it does without the generous philanthropic support of a caring community.  And your participation truly made a difference in Lifting Their Spirits!

Most sincerely,

Donna Donaldson, Sandi Freygang & Laura Whitfield

Online Auction Co-Chairs

THANK YOU to Charlie Whitfield, winner of the 50/50 Raffle, who donated all of his winnings back to the Akron Women's Board Auction to benefit the Challenge Golf Program.

About the Cause

The Cleveland Clinic Akron General Women's Board is a long-time supporter of the Challenge Golf Program. This program provides unique rehabilitation to people of all ages suffering from any type of physical limitations. Testimonials from many program graduates have validated how inspirational it was to their recovery and positive life-long impact.

We personally ask you to join us in Lifting THEIR Spirits once again through this online auction.

An Important Community Resource

The Challenge Golf Program offers special programs for military veterans. Challenge Golf hosts several clinics for the Cleveland Veterans Administration as well as an annual event open to all veterans. In addition to the physical benefits of golf, there are many psychological benefits. Golf has been found to lower the heart rate through slowed breathing, an effect that mimics techniques used in traditional PTSD therapy.

In addition, Ron Tristano, a Professional Golf Association (PGA) professional and manager of Challenge Golf runs the following outreach programs at the Challenge Golf Course to benefit the Akron community:

• A four-day youth summer camp, with scholarships for those in need;
• A clinic for First Tee of Greater Akron, a youth development organization;
• A three-week program for developmentally disabled students from Akron Public Schools;
• A clinic for children in the surrounding Lakemore community; and
• Ongoing work with local high school students who are on the Autism spectrum.

Check out Challenge Golf Akron General Video