Author: Brooke Uhlein
The 128 golfers who hit the links on Oct. 1 at Westwood Country Club in Rocky River for the Bishop’s Golf Classic — and event sponsors — helped raise more than $150,000. The funds will be used to provide tuition assistance for students attending Catholic schools in the eight-county Diocese of Cleveland. In addition, proceeds will help provide education debt relief for newly ordained priests in the diocese.
Frank O’Linn, interim superintendent of diocesan schools, and students from Elyria Catholic High School welcomed golfers as they arrived at the course. Bishop Nelson Perez joined the golfers for brunch before they teed off. Prior to giving a blessing, he expressed his gratitude to those gathered.
“Thank you for your support today. This year your contribution supports education at many levels. Our diocese is blessed to have each of you joining us on this beautiful day,” the bishop said.
Students from Holy Name High School greeted golfers from their day on the greens as they returned to the clubhouse for dinner.
Before giving the invocation at dinner, Auxiliary Bishop emeritus Roger Gries shared that in 2019 the diocese is on track to ordain nine new priests, which is one of the largest ordination classes in the country.
Former Cleveland Indians manager Mike Hargrove entertained guests with stories from his professional career and shared his faith during an open question and answer session before the awards presentation. Hargrove reflected on his career path, which started in college.
“I was in the right place at the right time when scouts came to games. And who put me there? God put me there,” he said.
Patrick Grace, executive director of the Catholic Community Foundation, which organized the golf outing, thanked the event sponsors for their support including presenting partner Medical Mutual. Gold level sponsors included Onix and Oswald Companies. Silver sponsors included Dollar Bank, Gateway Recycling, Maloney + Novotny, LLC, the Nock Family and the Honorable James S. Gwin and Mrs. Bonnie Gwin.
Grace concluded the evening by asking everyone to mark their calendars for the Oct. 5, 2019 Alleluia Ball, at which Cardinal Timothy Dolan will be the keynote speaker.