The Proviso-Leyden Council for Community Action, Inc. is gearing up to commemorate the 20th year of its annual Victor Goodell Memorial Golf Classic.
The Proviso-Leyden Council for Community Action, Inc. is gearing up to commemorate the 20th year of its annual Victor Goodell Memorial Golf Classic.
The event, named after the late Goodell, a former chairman of the organization’s board, is one of PLCCA’s biggest yearly fundraisers to help bring affordable housing and other resources to low-income residents in the west suburban Maywood and surrounding communities, said the Classic’s co-chairs. “Each year, the event grows and we couldn’t be more appreciative. The organization provides assistance on so many levels to those in need,” Hank Johnson, co-chair of the event, told the Defender.
Founded in 1968 by Bishop Dr. Claude Porter, PLCCA is a non-profit community services organization serving about 30,000 low-income residents in Cook County’s Proviso and Leyden Townships, Norridge and the Chicagoland area. The organization currently offers more than 30 assistance programs for its clients.
Porter made a promise to Goodell that he would work to raise funding to see the former chairman’s vision of an affordable housing complex realized. Nine years ago, Goodell Place Apartments, a 4-story, 22-unit development opened.
“The golf fundraiser was key in getting the housing built,” said Porter. When Johnson and his co-chair, Kurt Wackerman, joined the board a decade ago, they noticed the scores of local athletes, media personalities and business professionals requesting to be part of the annual golf event.
“I joined the board because I believed in PLCCA’s mission and the success of the golf classic. I’ve seen many others who come out one year and the next year they’re part of the planning process. It’s a given that once you’re here, you want to continue to be part of it and help out this great organization,” said Wackerman.
Between 400 to 500 people participate in the event that’s full of activities for golf players and those who just come to watch, said Johnson.
A silent auction and a concert featuring R&B singer Kenny Lattimore are among events scheduled for this year’s Golf Classic to be held June 22 at the Chicago Hilton/Indian Lakes Resort in Bloomingdale, Ill.
Copyright 2010 Chicago Defender.
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