Funds Raised During “Bocaire Salutes Wounded Warriors”
Golf Tournament and Brunch
Bocaire Country Club members and their sponsored guests recently raised $39,330 to help war veterans during the exclusive luxury community’s Bocaire Salutes Wounded Warriors nine-hole golf tournament and brunch.
Held in late February, the tournament drew 60 golfers and more than 100 people for brunch. This year’s tournament marked the third time the club has come together to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project, which offers a variety of programs, services and events for wounded veterans.
“This is best we’ve done in the three years that we’ve been holding the tournament,” said Gene Lowy, who founded the event in 2013. “Many of us who live here are veterans and we all appreciate what veterans have done for our country.”
Money raised during the tournament and brunch is used by the Wounded Warrior Project to provide assistance to injured service members, to help them help each other and to raise awareness of the needs of those injured while serving their country.
After brunch, residents and guests heard from Deven Schei, a wounded Army veteran injured during a tour in Afghanistan, whose brother was left severely disabled after being shot in the head while serving in Iraq.
Schei, who enlisted after his brother’s injury, lost 17 percent of his calf, 7 percent of his thigh, most of the hearing in his left ear and some sight in his left eye after the truck he was riding in was struck by a rocket.
Sent to Bocaire by the Wounded Warrior Project, Schei recounted his story of overcoming his injuries and the depression that accompanied it. He also spoke of the support he received from the Wounded Warrior Project.
“The veterans that come here talk about how the Wounded Warrior Project has changed their lives,” said Lowy, who was in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War.
Money raised during the event comes from tournament entry fees and tee signs, as well as from generous donations from Bocaire residents and sponsored guests.
“Everyone understands this is a great cause,” Lowy said.
The event, he added, would not be as successful without the help of planning committee members, resident Barry Hamerling who emcees the brunch and the team at Bocaire including Chief Executive Officer Russell Carlson, Assistant General Manager Maggie Green and Head Golf Pro Jeff Gullett.