BASEHOR — Stanion Wholesale Electric Co. recently completed its 15th Charity Golf Classic in Basehor to benefit Special Olympics Kansas. Employees, customers and vendors came together and raised $85,025. That brings the grand total of proceeds donated from the past 15 tournaments to $1,186,084.
Rodnel Tuner, SOKS athlete from Topeka, provided a welcome to the players at their reception the evening before the tournament. Tuner talked about the impact Special Olympics has had on his life. After being in eight foster homes in five years, Rodnel was adopted. His adopted family enrolled him in Special Olympics Kansas, which gave him a sense of belonging and an opportunity to compete. Tuner was also present during the tournament and served as “5th “putter” for the teams on hole one at Falcon Lakes Golf Course in Basehor.
“The value of the 2017 Special Olympics Golf Classic has been proven once again by the outstanding support we received from our vendors and customers,” said Bill Keller, president of Stanion Electric. “Many of our participating donors have supported this event all 15 years it has been held! We also see new individuals and companies join in the cause every year. Everyone in our company is proud to be a part of the golf classic, which raises funds to support the great work of Special Olympics Kansas. The sponsoring donors and the staff of SOKS, along with the other volunteers, always make every part of this event very meaningful for the participants. It is an honor for our company to host the golf classic, to raise awareness of Special Olympics Kansas.”
John Lair, president and CEO of Special Olympics, said, “It is always a delight to work with Stanion Wholesale Electric organization and help coordinate the tournament. We have enjoyed the Stanion philanthropic philosophy and their commitment to Special Olympics Kansas. They have made an impact on thousands of athletes through the years, and we look forward to more tournaments in the future.”
The first Stanion Wholesale Electric Co. Charity Golf Classic was held in September 2000 and raised $81,137 for Special Olympics Kansas. A tournament has been held each year with the exception of 2004, 2009 and 2010 when there was a downturn in the construction industry.