September 12, 2005
Sammy Event adds run, walk to lineup
The new activities will be held Oct. 15, the day before the fundraiser’s golfing events
The Sammy Event Fundraiser has added a run and walk the day before the sixth annual golf tournament, par 3 tournament and pork chop dinner/auction.
The October 16 event golf and dinner, one of Quincy’s biggest fundraisers, is highlighted by a four-person scramble at Westview Golf Course. The event raises money in memory of Samantha Otte.
This year’s event features a twist. In addition to the auction during and after the dinner at the Knights of Columbus, organizers are putting together a 5-kilometer run and a 2-mile walk Oct. 15 through Quincy’s East End Historic District.
Donna and Bryan Smith of TNT Action Sports in Quincy are the honorary chairmen this year. During a press conference at Washington Park this morning, Donna Smith said she came up with the idea of a run to add something new to the event.
“I like to run, and I thought it would be a nice personal touch,” Donna Smith said. “With the fall colors and the trees overhead, it should be a beautiful day.
Established in late 2000, the Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund with the Community Foundation of the Quincy Area has distributed 49 grants totaling $67,815. After five years of grant distributions, the fund has grown to more than $100,000.
Sponsored by Dr. Rae McIntee, Dr. James Kase and First Bankers Trust, the walk will start at 8 a.m. Oct. 15, with registration at the Madison Park (24th & Maine) shelter.
Cost for the run/walk is $15 per race participant or $40 per family. All participants receive a T-shirt and ticket to the pork chop dinner later the next day. Prizes for different age groups will be awarded in the 5K run.
The run and walk will start at 24th and Maine and head south, basically heading back east along York Street. The route will feature many of Quincy’s beautiful and historic residences.
Ten-year-old Samantha died in March 2000 following a liver transplant made necessary by cystic fibrosis. Her parents, Chuck and June Otte, joined friends to create something positive from the loss, and the first Sammy Event took place in the fall of 2000.
The Sammy Event also features a nine-hole par 3 golf event at the Knights of Columbus course for parents and kids. Cost is $25, which includes a meal ticket. All proceeds from the par 3 tournament will benefit the Great River First Tee, which creates affordable and accessible golf facilities and instructions for area children.
Sponsors include First Bankers Trust, which has been with the Sammy Fund Event since its inception, Refreshment Services Pepsi, WGEM/Quincy Herald-Whig and new sponsor County Market.
For more information on the event, contact the Sammy Fund at 231-0070.