NEW BEDFORD — Golfers, community leaders, and local businesses will come together this fall for a day on the links while supporting a meaningful cause at the 43rd Annual State Representatives Cup Golf Tournament, benefiting The Arc of Bristol County.
Held on Monday, September 28, at the Country Club of New Bedford, the longtime fundraising tradition helps support The Arc’s educational advocacy services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Bristol County, Massachusetts, and Northern Rhode Island.
During a recent appearance on MyFM’s The Zone, Kathy Novotny, Development and Communications Manager for The Arc of Bristol County, and Michael Andrade, the organization’s President and CEO, discussed the impact the annual tournament has made over more than four decades.
Novotny said the event has become a staple thanks to the continued support of local state representatives and the community.
“Our state representatives have always been tremendous partners,” Novotny said. “We’ve actually started planning this year’s tournament much earlier because we have some representatives transitioning out and new ones coming in. We want to continue building those relationships while supporting the families we serve.”
Unlike many charity golf tournaments, 100 percent of the proceeds from the event directly support The Arc’s educational advocacy program, which provides families with free guidance and assistance as they navigate special education services within local school systems.
“The corporate sponsorship includes a foursome, lunch, golf carts, and dinner,” Novotny explained. “Just one corporate sponsorship provides approximately 20 hours of advocacy services for families, which is huge.”
Andrade said those advocacy services are often life-changing.
“We don’t charge families one penny,” Andrade said. “Many don’t have the financial means to hire advocates, and our team works alongside school systems to make sure children receive the services they’re entitled to. Every dollar raised helps us continue providing those supports.”
Founded by families in the 1950s seeking better opportunities for loved ones with disabilities, The Arc of Bristol County now serves approximately 2,600 individuals with the help of 400 dedicated employees. The organization focuses on helping people live independently, find employment, and fully participate in their communities.
“Our goal is providing hope,” Andrade said. “We want people with disabilities to have the same opportunities everyone else wants—a job, support, and a fulfilling life. Every day, we look at what’s possible and how we can help people overcome obstacles and build brighter futures.”
The tournament will once again be held at the Country Club of New Bedford, a private course that has hosted the event for many years.
“It’s a special opportunity because it’s a private club that most people don’t normally get to play,” Andrade said. “Participants get to enjoy a great course while knowing that 100 percent of their dollars are supporting an incredible cause.”
Golfers, businesses, and sponsors are still welcome to participate. Corporate sponsorships, foursomes, and additional sponsorship opportunities remain available.
To register or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit ARCNBC.org.
For the full interview with Kathy and Michael, click here: https://soundcloud.com/myfm1013/the-zone-kathy-novotney-and?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
