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For more information, contact: J. J. Keller Foundation, Inc. Mary Harp-Jirschele (920) 720-7872 mharp-jirschele@jjkeller.com jjkellerfoundation@jjkeller.com |
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U.S. Oil Open hits $1.253 million mark; |
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NEENAH, WI (August 15, 2008) – For the second straight year, more than $1 million was raised for charities throughout the Fox Valley at the U.S. Oil Open held Wednesday at four local golf courses. The proceeds feed into the U.S. Oil Fund for Basic Needs, which distributes more than $1 million annually to area organizations and programs that affect the root cause of poverty. The J. J. Keller Foundation and the U.S. Oil Fund combined forces – and funds – last year to begin the Basic Needs Partnership to distribute the proceeds from this event.
In its 23rd year, the Open raised $1.253 million as 608 golfers enjoyed a day of food, fun and fellowship. They were joined on the courses by “celebrities” like Bernie Brewer and the Timber Rattlers’ mascot Fang, and former Green Bay Packer Paul Hornung entertained the crowd at Mid-Vallee Golf Course. The daylong event culminated in a massive dinner for the golfers and sponsors at Van Abel’s of Hollandtown. One of the highlights of the event was a fete of the late Green Bay Packers great Max McGee, who was a dear friend of the Open and had attended for many years before his untimely death last fall. His daughter Marla attended in his place and spoke to the crowd, as did legendary Packers’ announcer Jim Irwin and Hornung. The Basic Needs Partnership welcomed the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation to its fold at this year’s event. With the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region and the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation already involved, “this regional event will now impact all of Northeast Wisconsin by addressing the root causes of poverty,” said Sarah Schmidt, director of the Open. The Keller family was on hand for dinner and to participate in the traditionally lively auction that adds to the fun and fund-raising. Adam Keller provided one of the more creative auction items – a helicopter ride for two to Lambeau Field, followed by a stadium tour and lunch. Bob Keller was one of the big auction winners – winning two authentic Packers’ helmets signed by the likes of Max McGee, Bart Starr, Brett Favre and other team MVPs. |
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