Arc's Golf Fundraiser Successful Despite Rainy Start | Community Spirit

Rainy weather nearly ended the annual Arc of Dane County golf fundraiser before it even started, but the same great attitude that makes the organization a success turned the soggy morning into a special, dynamic day that actually included a little bit of golf.

"It wasn't the ideal conditions, but we made the best of it," said Arc-Dane County Executive Director Paul Yohcum.  "We got some good people that work with us every year, not only our golf committee, but the people that play in this tournament."

Turnout was down due to the inclement weather, and even though door prizes, a raffle, a silent auction and lunch were held to start the day, the golf tournament definitely was missing something.

That something was the golf.  About 40 golfers did tee off about 11:30 a.m., and the excitement about the day and the cause started to sneak out, just like the sunshine.

"This is our major fundraiser, quite frankly, we don't get any grants," said Yochum.  "(Donations) go to the advocacy of individuals with developmental disabilities.  We work with them on social activities."

Three main social events fill Arc's yearly calendar.  The spring and winter balls and an annual Halloween party fill a void for people like Dan Remick.

"The Arc of Dane County helps us do things in our own community and do work with other people," said Remick.  "I would like to say thank you for helping all people with disabilities in Dane County and Wisconsin."

"We also advocate for the social, the vocational, the residential rights that individuals with disabilities have," said Yochum.  "All that money helps toward those things."

The total money county will not be complete for several days, but event coordinators said they expect to have some work to do to make up for a down year, but again that positive attitude, once again, was shined through.

"We will probably be down some in terms of funds, but it is part of the battle that we have to deal with, especially the last three years, with the economy," said Yochum.  "So we just have to make lemons into lemonade.  I think we'll do that with this tournament."

For those who weren't able to make it to the tournament due to the weather or others that would like to help out with this worthy cause, organizers encourage you to go to www.arcdanecounty.org or send donations to Arc's West Madison office at 6602 Grand Teton Plaza, Madison, WI  53719.