There are plenty of events happening this fall. Many non-profit organizations use the time to encourage their followers to support various causes. So many charities are out working for any funds, grants, and other means of generating awareness (and money, of course) to further their mission.
While there are numerous galas, walks, 5K races, and other events designed to recognize these causes, one recent fundraiser went “outside the box” to draw attention to some impacted groups around Rhode Island.
The ABLTC Foundation in Warwick, recently held its second annual “Zany Golf,” event to highlight the plight of seniors throughout Rhode Island, who are either abused, neglected, or financially exploited. This event held at Mulligan’s Island, featured some outlandish feats of strength, hitting unusual targets on the driving range, and other such shenanigans.
While the fun and the laughs didn’t stop, ABLTC Foundation Board Treasurer Joann Leonard said that the reason for doing such an event is no laughing matter.
“We want to ensure that the voices of everyone are heard. There are some people who for whatever reason, are not being heard, and that should never happen,” Leonard said. “Certain groups around the state and beyond don’t know where to go, or are familiar with what resources are available to them. We are here to offer some advice and direction to anyone who is in need of help.”
Credit for creating this unique event goes to Leonard. She said that many organizations host golf tournaments to raise money. While that is a popular way of generating income, Leonard is not one for conventional norms. She figured why not try something completely different?
Mulligan’s Island provided the perfect place to hold the Foundation’s second-annual event. Leonard brings her grandkids there and sees how much fun they have. The venue stuck with her until the idea got hatched for Zany Golf.
Those who know Leonard understand that she likes to have fun and be a little sassy.
“I like to have fun and also to make people a little bit uncomfortable,” she said, while laughing. “It was something out of the ordinary that would resonate with people who were tired of the same types of events. Nobody expects me to be normal!”
“Our event isn’t supposed to be serious,” Leonard continues. “This is not The Masters or The U.S. Open. We want people to have fun and enjoy themselves. We are raising awareness, as well as funds for our mission. It’s a good way to stand out from the crowd.”
Leonard was not kidding about the last point. Some of the miniature golf holes included players shooting over a toilet seat, using a hula-hoop and wearing a large diaper during their shot. They also had an accuracy challenge where people went to the driving range to hit a cardboard cut out of Leonard, another cardboard cutout and/or a toilet seat to win prizes.
After the golfing, there were raffle items, ranging from games and gift baskets, to “gag” gifts. Awards were given for the best mini golf scores, the worst scores, and other feats (good and bad).
The inaugural event in 2023, raised $5,000, according to Leonard. This year’s event did even better; it raised $8,000 for their cause!
Proceeds from the event will go to further the amazing work of the Alliance for Better Long Term Care, Inc., and the Rhode Island State Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (RISLTCOP), whose mission is to improve the quality of life for residents receiving long term care services. The RISLCTOP is a resident-driven program. They advocate for the residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and those receiving hospice or licensed home care. who have been victims of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation. The Ombudsman works to resolve problems these individuals face and effect changes at the local, state, and national levels, to improve quality of care.
They advocate on behalf of residents and identify, investigate, and resolve through mediation, negotiation, and administrative action, complaints filed by residents or individuals, acting on their behalf. Among them include:
Identify, investigate, and resolve, through mediation, negotiation, and administrative action, complaints filed by any individual organization or government agency that has reason to believe that a long term care facility, organization, or government agency (responsible for the regulation, inspection, visitation or supervision of facilities or which provides services to residents of facilities) has engaged in activities, practices, or omissions, that constitute a violation of applicable statutes or regulations, or that may have an adverse effect upon the health, safety, welfare, rights, or the quality of life of residents of long term care facilities.
Established in 2013, the ABLTC Foundation supports advocacy for long term care residents through programs, such as the Alliance for Better Long Term Care, Inc., a Rhode Island nonprofit corporation that originated in 1979, to protect the rights of the elderly population.
The ABLTC Foundation’s purpose is to benefit and support the purposes of the Alliance, directly or indirectly, through joint ventures, partnerships, or other entities, and to engage in any activities, directly or indirectly related.
More details regarding the ABLTC Foundation can be found by visiting the web site at www.abltcfoundation.org.
