Richard and Patti McNay will be the honorary chairmen of this year’s fundraiser, scheduled for Oct. 20-21 in Quincy, to benefit the Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund
Chuck and June Otte still believe they can make the event named after their daughter bigger and better.
The eighth annual Sammy Fund event takes place Oct. 20 – 21 in Quincy. The run, walk, golf tournament, dinner and silent auction benefit the Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund.
The event was started to honor Samantha Otte, who died at age 10 after a liver transplant made necessary by cystic fibrosis.
During a news conference this morning at the Redmon and Lee Youth and Adult Community Center, Richard and Patti McNay of McNay Truck Line were named the honorary chairmen of this year’s event.
Samantha’s parents said not all families can afford the many opportunities for children in Quincy.
“The Sammy Fund group is very grateful to all the individuals and businesses who generously support our mission of providing access to worthwhile activities for children with limited opportunities,” June Otte said.
“It’s exciting to realize the Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund is closing in on our goal of becoming endowed. What a comfort to know Sammy’s life continues to make a difference.”
Since the Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund was established in late 2000 through the Community Foundation of the Quincy Area, 73 grants for $96,700 have been distributed. The grants are for youth-oriented activities.
The Ottes said Richard and Patti McNay support many local causes and agencies benefiting area children. Richard is a past Community Foundation board member and past chairman of the Community Foundation of the Quincy Area. Patti is active in Girl Scouts and the Baldwin PTO.
“They have also been dedicated supporters of the Sammy Fund mission,” Chuck Otte said. “We are honored they have agreed to lend their good name and talents to the Sammy Fund group while we try to make this year’s event the best ever.”
The run and walk is at Madison Park and is scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday, October 20. The four-person golf scramble tournament is Sunday, October 21 at Westview Golf Course, and it will be followed by a dinner and silent auction at the Knights of Columbus Hall.
Major sponsors are First Bankers Trust, Refreshment Services Pepsi, WGEM, the Herald-Whig and County Market.