Silo Ridge - Harlem Valley Times

6/1/2007 - Silo Ridge hosts benefit golf open for Maplebrook scholarship

Amenia
Silo Ridge hosts benefit golf open for Maplebrook scholarship
6/1/2007
By: Oren Phillips, Staff Reporter

It's time to tee off for a good cause as the 15th annual Maplebrook/Bank of Millbrook Open is coming to Silo Ridge on June 2 to help raise money for the Jane Fernandez Scholarship.

The cost to participate is $125 per person and the money will help one of the day students at Maplebrook pay the tuition at the school.

"Jane was a teacher at Maplebrook for many years and was a mentor to many of us," said Lori Hale, assistant head in charge of development and alumni services.

"She was a wonderful teacher, and when she retired, Jane continued to be an advocate for children. The cost of tuition is pretty hefty and the scholarship helps some students pay the tuition," Hale said.

The event has been a success in the past. Last year the open raised $15,000, and the school is hoping to top that amount.

A streak of bad weather has been haunting the golfing event, and hopefully the skies will clear for this year.

"It poured last year. We had about 90 people signed up, and only 30 hearty souls braved the weather and golfed. Hopefully Mother Nature will cooperate this time," said Hale.

About 30 parents, along with teacher, vendors, friends and students participated in the event.

"People have a wonderful time and it's a real lighthearted event," said Hale.

"You don't have to be the best golfer, and sometimes its more fun if you aren't," Hale said.

There are awards for teams coming in first, second and third place on the afternoon. There are also prizes for the longest drive, closest to the pin, putting contest, and hole-in-one.

"Amenia Motors is donating a vehicle for the hole-in-one contest," said Hale.

"Another prize is a weekend in New York City," she said.

With the average tuition for day students with learning challenges at around $30,000, the scholarship money helps the families with the payment.

"We select a few students and they apply through the financial aid office," said Hale.

Registration begins at 11 a.m. and those interested can come the day of the event to register.

There will be a barbecue lunch at 11:30 a.m. followed by tee off at 1 p.m. Awards will be presented at 6 p.m.

For more information, call Ken Hale at 845-373-9511 ext. 221.