Spectrum Designs Foundation hosted 100 VIP golfers on Sept. 28 during its 2nd Annual Golf Outing at America’s oldest Country Club, the “must see” among golf enthusiasts, Rockaway Hunting Club. The outing was a huge success, raising more than $105,000. Friends, family and colleagues all came together to enjoy a wonderful day of golf to support the work and vision of Spectrum Designs, a Port Washington based social enterprise. Spectrum’s mission is to offer an accommodating and integrated workplace, where people with autism can successfully be employed at its state-of-the-art Customized Apparel Decorating Shop. The $105,000 which was raised at the event, will benefit the 16 young men with autism who make up part of Spectrum’s their workforce.
There were many exciting contests, including the JetBlue Challenge which provided each golfer with the chance to qualify for a hole-in-one shot worth $50,000. Leo Ressa was named this year’s JetBlue Challenge winner; he was only five feet away from the $50,000 hole-in-one. Mark Friedman was this year’s closest-to the pin on the 16th hole. Both of these winners won trips to Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. Mike Valentine took first place in the putting contest and our longest drive first place winner was Dan Suozzi. Out of 25 foursomes, our first place lowest net team winners were James Murtha, Tony Mauro and Jack and Mary Traynor.
Through its state-of-the-art social enterprise, Spectrum offers a promising and innovative alternative for people living with autism. By offering gainful employment and job training at its customized apparel decorating shop, Spectrum offers a place of productivity and purpose into adulthood.
For more information about Spectrum Designs, visit www.spectrumdesigns.org, or contact info@spectrumdesigns.org.
