BC3 Education Foundation Golf Outing raises $100,000
The BC3 Education Foundation golf outing Aug. 7 raised $100,000 and topped a record set in 2019.
The funds raised by the event support student scholarships and other initiatives at Butler County Community College.
For the second time in two years, the identical foursome representing the Butler Eagle won the team scramble and will again have their names — Ron Vodenichar, Ken Fair, Rob Voltz and Pat Preston — engraved on the 2-year-old Champions Cup, a 27-inch-high trophy mirroring the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup.
Vodenichar, Fair, Voltz and Preston finished with a collective 17-under at the par-70 Olde Stonewall Golf Club, where 108 golfers and 34 sponsors helped the BC3 Education Foundation to raise the record amount.
The previous milestone of $95,000 was raised in 2019.
“This definitely shows the connection we have with the community as the community’s college,” said Nick Neupauer, president of BC3. “Any money we raise in the foundation is important because ultimately, in one way or another, it goes back to our most important asset, our students. Any time we can help that most important asset is a great day.”
John Kearns, Sam Kearns, Mike Hook and John Hook, representing Enviro Testing and Solutions, finished second at 11-under.
Ethan Nicholas won closest to the pin on No. 5 at 19 feet, 2 inches; Clem Rosenberger won closest to the pin on No. 7 at 3 feet, 11 inches; Bob Vernick won closest to the pin on No. 14 at 23 inches; and Jeff Howard won closest to the pin on No. 15 at 3 feet. Nicholas won longest drive on No. 10 and Joe Garvin, the longest putt on No. 18.
Farmers National Bank of Emlenton served as the title sponsor of the BC3 Education Foundation golf outing for the 11th year in a row.
“The golf outing is such a fantastic fundraiser because unrestricted funds can really help students who need it. There is no, ‘This has to go to this program’ or ‘This has to go to that program.’ They can really dial in to the students who need the funds, need the help,” said Kyle Hilfiger, branch manager of Farmers National Bank’s Bon Aire office.
Unrestricted funds raised during the BC3 Education Foundation golf outing support the BC3 President’s Scholarship, the college’s new Pioneer Pantry and other opportunities beyond the classroom.
Restricted, or endowed, funds enable the BC3 Education Foundation to award more than $200,000 annually in scholarships, which, with financial aid and BC3’s affordable tuition, allow 70 percent of BC3 graduates to graduate debt-free.
Lisa Guard, of Specialized Staffing and Industry Recruiters and a first-time BC3 Education Foundation golf outing participant, said this is an important lifeline for students struggling to afford college.
“Everyone deserves a shot at having an education,” Guard said.
Bill Foley is coordinator of news and media content at Butler County Community College.
