MMI to hold June 3 golf tournament to raise funds

MMI’s adult recreational therapy program features a variety of activities, including arts and crafts. Photo courtesy of MMI.

The C. Louis Meyer Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc. invites the public to participate in its Tee-Up for Disabilities Golf Tournament June 3 at the Tregaron Golf Course in Bellevue.

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Adult Recreational Therapy Program at UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI). The program, which is held in the spring and fall, provides respite care for families and caregivers of adults with disabilities. The volunteer run program benefits those with developmental disabilities, autism, cerebral palsy, Down’s Syndrome, spina bifida and genetic disorders. Activities include swimming, arts and crafts, music and dance, cooking and community outings.

The annual Tee-Up for Disabilities Golf Tournament is the main source of financial support for the adult recreational programs. A variety of tournament sponsorships are available to anyone interested in supporting the programs.

Participants and volunteers enjoy activities in the adult recreational therapy program. Photo courtesy of MMI.

Karol Colbert, vice-president of the C. Louis Meyer Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc., is a parent of two special needs children. “When you have a child with a disability who requires constant care and attention, nothing is more important for your own mental and physical well being than having the ability to rest and relax knowing that your child is safe in a place where they are not just receiving the proper supervised care and attention, but are also having fun in an environment where they are truly welcomed and loved,” Colbert said. “The services provided at the Munroe-Meyer Institute are my light at the end of a long tunnel.”

The not-for-profit C. Louis Meyer Foundation supports programs at MMI. For 10 years, the foundation has funded Munroe-Meyer Institute Recreational Therapy Adult Respite and Habilitation programs. Without these programs, many parents and caregivers of adults with disabilities would lose their only source of safe, supervised care for their loved ones.

Participants and volunteers build friendships in the adult recreational therapy program. Photo courtesy of MMI.

“I’ve been volunteering and working with the program for eight years and I love it,” said Rick Boldt, president of the foundation, volunteer and co-chairman of the tournament. “The time I have spent with these remarkable individuals has shown me that all they truly desire is to have even a small piece of what we take for granted every day — to be respected, to develop long-term friendships and have a feeling of self worth and involvement in the community. I can say that the time I have spent volunteering with these adults has really touched my heart.”

Registration for the golf tournament will begin at 10:30 a.m. followed by a clinic at 11 a.m. and shotgun start at noon. The event is a four-person best ball, 18-hole tournament. Cost for the tournament is $100 per person, which includes hole prizes, door prizes, raffle, refreshment cart and dinner. Omaha golf legend Susan Marchese and Professional Golf Association teaching pro Steve Hogan will be hosting golf clinics before the tournament.
To register for the tournament or for more information, contact Colbert at kcolbert@unmc.edu or 559-5771.