METAMORA TWP. — The sold-out Fifth Annual View Lady Classic presented by McLaren Lapeer Region took place on Thursday, Aug. 5, at Metamora Golf & Country Club raising money for LACADA (Lapeer Area Citizens Against Domestic Assault) and providing a day of fun for golfers, caddies and volunteers.
Golfers arrived early to decorate their carts and get into costume in order to compete in the Best Dressed and Most Spirited contests. Returning this year was the popular Celeb Caddie Auction, which was held online last year to keep with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. The Caddies — including John Payne, Pete Clinton, Brendan Dimich, Ed Pagac, Alex Petrie, Harvey Acheson, Rick Fleming, Chris Byrnes and Bob Riehl — did not disappoint, each preparing a special entrance and providing gifts for the golf teams who won them. The auction alone raised $8,300 for LACADA this year.
Since its start, the outing has raised more than $63,000 for LACADA. The final dollar amount raised at Thursday’s event was not available by press time.
For the past 26 years, LACADA has provided support services and safe emergency shelter to women and children who were fleeing domestic violence in their homes. Since the shelter first opened its doors, LACADA has sheltered more than 4,000 women and children. More than 18,000 crisis calls have been answered through LACADA’s 24-hour helpline. Its local emergency shelter operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
LACADA provides free and confidential support to live a life free from violence. Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault often feel alone and there is nowhere to turn. LACADA strives to empower survivors in regaining control in their lives through crisis intervention, advocacy, and support services. The 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, in operation since 1991, provides free and confidential support services that include crisis intervention, support groups, court accompaniment, information and referrals for those in need and personal advocacy.
Sponsors at this year’s event included presenting sponsor McLaren Lapeer Region, Jim Riehl’s Friendly Auto Group, Lapeer Police Dept., Lapeer County Sheriff’s Dept., DTE Energy, Lapeer Surgery Center, Coulter Real Estate, C & L Ward, Lapeer County Vision Centers, Medstar, Todd Wenzel, Sovita Credit Union, Michigan Web Press, Kamax, ChoiceOne Bank, Coventry Realty, Smile Partners USA, Edward Jones – Phillip Guerra, Bryan’s Supermarket, Metamora Golf & CC and Fairway Catering, Ray C’s, Village Printing, Tasty Layers, Rusty Bashore photography and nearly 100 Showcase and Hole Sponsors.
“Forty-one teams participated in this year’s outing, we had amazing raffle prizes, including many donated by our generous sponsors, great weather and happy golfers,” said Emily Caswell, View Group brand manager and one of the organizers of the event. “Every year I’m blown away by the creativity of the teams and the caddies. I’m so thankful for our sponsors, volunteers and our great team who make all of this possible and help us raise money for such a worthy cause. I can’t wait for the 2022 event!”
For more information on LACADA visit, www.lacada.org.