By the Herald-Whig Staff
Organizers announced Monday that October’s annual Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund event raised a record $38,066.
Fundraising events October 14 – 15 involved a golf tournament at Westview, a walk and run around Madison Park, motorcycle poker run, concert and dinner and auction at the Knights of Columbus.
Samantha Otte died at age 10 in March 2000 after a liver transplant made necessary by cystic fibrosis. Family and friends formed the Sammy Fund and the Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund to make worthwhile activities available to more area children.
Chuck and June Otte, Samantha’s parents, thanked 2006 Sammy Fund honorary chairmen Rich and Connie Niemann of Niemann Foods and County Market. They also thanked the 21 board members and gave special thanks to Bryan and Donna Smith of TNT Action Sports.
The seventh annual event attracted 184 runners and walkers, 144 golfers, and featured 444 dinners and 275 kids meals served at the Knights of Columbus. More than 100 people volunteered during the weekend.
The Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund was established in late 2000 after the first fundraiser, and the Community Foundation of the Quincy Area has distributed 61 grants totaling $81,770. The fund has a balance of $135,000, and the Ottes say they are getting closer to the goal of making the fund self-perpetuating.
This year’s disbursements will be announced in early January.
Major sponsors this year were First Bankers Trust, County Market, Refreshment Services Pepsi, WGEM and the Quincy Herald-Whig.