Annual Sammy Fund event raised $47,726
The ninth annual Sammy Fund event in October raised $47,726 to benefit youth organizations and community betterment.
Organizers gathered Wednesday night to thank volunteers and show appreciation to honorary chairmen Harold and Ann Knapheide. The Sammy Fund honors Samantha Otte, who died at age 10 after a liver transplant necessitated by cystic fibrosis.
The run and walk at Madison Park, four-person scramble golf tournament at Westview Golf Course and silent auction at the Knights of Columbus Hall raised funds. More than 100 volunteers help each year with the weekend events.
Harold Knapheide, president of Knapheide Manufacturing, called the event “unique” and said he and his wife were proud to be chairmen.
“It’s one of the best-run events I’ve been involved with,” he said. “Sammy is very much a part of Quincy. She is an institution here and her eternity is a part of us.”
The Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund handed out 19 grants totaling nearly $20,000 to local organizations in January through the Community Foundation of the Quincy Area.
Since 2000, 86 grants totaling $116,035 have been distributed from the fund. The funds support organizations that maintain and enhance community betterment, artistic, leadership and humanitarian opportunities for young people.
Major sponsors were First Bankers Trust Co., Refreshment Services Pepsi, The Quincy Herald-Whig, WGEM and County Market.