A golf tournament held by the Old Guard this spring raised more than $10,600 for the West Hartford YMCA Camp Scholarship Fund.

Colton Casey teeing off at the Kilwins West Hartford Swing for the Kids Golf Tournament. Photo credit: Don Kauke

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May 16, 2023 provided the perfect ingredients for a successful golf tournament. Mixing beautiful weather, a great Stanley golf course, and outstanding Back Nine Tavern for a buffet lunch, provided the basis for a great time had by all participants. Blend in a tournament title sponsor, 21 additional sponsors, and many generous raffle and silent auction donors, and the result is funding for many kids to benefit from YMCA camp programs in West Hartford.

Held annually, this year’s tournament had several firsts, summarized by Russ Jones, whose term as Old Guard president recently ended, who said this about the tournament: “Once again this summer, a lot of kids will enjoy YMCA summer camp activities, thanks to the Old Guard’s Kilwins West Hartford Swing for the Kids Golf Tournament. This year’s tournament, with Kilwins confectionary at West Hartford’s Blue Back Square as title sponsor, raised nearly $11 thousand for camper scholarships, exceeding last year’s total and the stretch goal for this year. In all, a record 22 sponsors and 44 golfers enjoyed both the joy of camaraderie on the course and the satisfaction of helping others – an Old Guard tradition.”

The Old Guard’s Kilwins West Hartford Swing for the Kids Golf Tournament raised a record $10,645 for the West Hartford YMCA Camp Scholarship Fund, enabling children in need of financial help to attend and benefit from the Y camp programs.

When Natalie Zenbrzuski, director of Executive Relations at the Greater Hartford YMCA, was informed of the amount raised by the tournament, she replied, “This is FANTASTIC news. Congratulations to the committee for organizing such a great tournament. Proceeds from the tournament will help many families, who may not have the financial stability, provide a camp experience for their children. A memory that will last a lifetime. Thank you, again.”

Kathleen Allen, owner of Kilwins West Hartford with her husband Jay, expressed her pleasure about being the title sponsor. “Kilwins West Hartford is proud to be associated with the Annual Old Guard West Hartford YMCA tournament. It is important to us to support this fantastic cause and help raise money for families to send their children to the West Hartford YMCA camp programs. YMCA camps were a significant influence on my children growing up by providing a fun place to spend their summers. The experience helped reinforce the values and life skills I tried to instill in them. My adult children still talk about their favorite camp memories today! We look forward to a long partnership with the Old Guard Swing for the Kids tournament and helping families have access to camp!”

Kathleen Allen of Kilsins West Hartford (center) checking in at the Kilwins Westa Hartford Swing for the Kids Golf Tournament. Photo credit: Don Kauke

As noted above, 21 sponsors joined Kilwins West Hartford to support the golf tournament. Express your appreciation for their generosity in helping kids – support them with your business.

The Old Guard thanks: Callahan’s Bowl-O-Rama in Newington, the Connecticut Children’s Foundation and Medical Center, The Corner Pug (WH), Steven Hall, Dental Associates (Farmington), Duncaster (Bloomfield), John & Kelly Hartman Foundation managed by Cummings & Lockwood LLC (WH), Nathan Berry, Hartford Dental Associates (WH), Hartford Health Care – Hartford Hospital, Image Ink (Newington), JP Carroll Roofing (Bloomfield), Kaoud Rugs (WH), The McAuley (WH), Mike’s Barber Shop (WH), Nassau Financial Group (Hartford), O’Meara Real Estate (WH), Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Group (Windsor), Seabury (Bloomfield), St. Francis Hospital – Trinity Health, Scott D. Walker, Retina Consultants, Senior Job Bank (WH), and YHB Investment Advisors, Inc (WH).

Attendees at the golf tournament went home with many raffle items (with a total value of nearly $2,000) generously donated by many area businesses. Support them just as they have supported the tournament. Donors include: The Back Nine Tavern at Stanley Golf Course, The Big Y, Bristle & Blade Barber, Butterfly Restaurant, Callahan’s Bowl-O-Rama, The Children’s Museum, Chris Cote Golf Shop, The Corner Pug, Tom Donahue – William Raveis Real Estate, French Cleaners, Gillette’s Wine & Spirits, Golfers Warehouse, Kilwins West Hartford, Mark Twain House & Museum, Maximum Beverage, Modern Tire – West Hartford, Noah Webster House, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana – West Hartford, Pond House Café, Roaring Brook Nature Center, Sally & Bob’s Eatery, Tangiers International Restaurant, Tilted Bottles Wine, Beer & More, Tisane Euro-Asian Café, as well as a number of anonymous donors.

A silent auction was held at the luncheon, with a big thanks for items provided by Dunkin’s – West Hartford, Hill-Stead Museum, Hartford Golf Club, Rockledge Golf Club, Stanley Golf Course, GolfTEC – West Hartford, Travelers Championship, Yard Goats, Russ Jones, and several anonymous donors.

With the success of this year’s event, plans are already underway for next year’s golf tournament. The Old Guard hopes that you’ll want to be a part of this great event to support the West Hartford YMCA’s youth camps and programs. To be a sponsor, donor, or participant, please contact the golf committee at this email address: [email protected]. Be part of something exceptional!

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