CCA golf tournament raises nearly $40,000

Published: September 29, 2017

Catholic Charities of Arkansas raised nearly $40,000 to support its programs through the Bishop McDonald-Catholic Charities Golf Classic on Sept. 25. It was held at Maumelle Country Club with 30, four-person teams that included eight priests. Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Hot Springs Village entered six of the teams. The following won in these categories:

• Morning First Flight — First place: Father Bill Elser, Bob Baker, Rick Meyers and Dennis VanLeeuwen, of Hot Springs Village. Score: 54
• Morning Second Flight  — First place: Tom Donnelly, Murray Classen, Ron Cuba and Rich Rivera, of Hot Springs Village. Score: 65
• Afternoon First Flight — First place: Al Bilgisher, Tom Conrad, Benny Loftis and Phil Hiebler, of Hot Springs. Score: 53
• Afternoon Second Flight — First place: Abe Bogoslavsky, Monte Estes, John Denery and Fred Rogers, of Little Rock. Score: 61

This was the 23rd year of the golf tournament, which is the primary fundraiser for the ministries and programs of Catholic Charities of Arkansas. These include: adoption, immigration and refugee resettlement services, free medical care and assistance for the poor, natural disaster response, legislative advocacy, support for those struggling with addictions, prison ministry and resources to assist in parish outreach and social justice. About 20 organizations or individuals sponsored the tournament, with CHI St. Vincent as the underwriter.

This event was named in honor of the late Bishop Andrew J. McDonald who served as shepherd for the Diocese of Little Rock from 1972 to 2000. It was during his tenure that Catholic Charities of Arkansas was established. The McDonald Center, which is home to the offices of Catholic Charities, is also named in his honor.