By Lisa Nicely, The Crescent-News
After 25 years, the Linus Slattery Memorial Golf Tournament Weekend ended on a high note on the weekend of June 8-9 in Defiance County. The event raised more than half a million dollars since its inception.
This was the last year for the annual event, which benefits CHP Hospice, Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center, and the Angel Foundation.
“It’s bittersweet to say it’s the last because I know how wisely CHP Hospice uses our funding for things they need,” Slattery said. “We provide assistance for in-home and inpatient care for the terminally ill. We furnished a room in Linus’ memory and helped with the nurses’ station at the hospice center.”
Proceeds from the event also help the Angel Foundation, which grants wishes to terminally ill adults in Ohio.
“Back in 1994, I had no idea this would perpetuate this long or raise the amount it has,” Slattery said. “(Back then) I said if we raised $2,000 I’d be happy. Most years, we raise around $30,000-$31,000.”
The Linus Slattery Memorial Golf Tournament Weekend kicked off this year at the fairgrounds with a taco bar, face painting, 50/50 drawing, a live auction, and a Chinese auction on Friday evening.
On Saturday, there was a memory walk starting at Hicksville Municipal Park in the morning followed by the golf outing at Auglaize Golf Club in the afternoon.
“Twenty-five years has flown by,” said Mary Slattery, event organizer. “It’s all been a labor of love. I’ve had such wonderful help from volunteers to donations to golfers.”
Slattery said she’s happy the event has lasted this long and helped preserve Linus’ memory.
“When Linus passed he left me five unmarried children,” she said. “Now I have five married children and 11 grandchildren. This whole thing has kept his spirit alive with the grandchildren.”
She thanked her current husband, Ed Hasselschwardt, for all the help he’s been to her and the event over the years.
Slattery said while this was the last tournament weekend, she isn’t going to stop helping the local hospice agency. She plans on being more involved in its annual Beacon of Hope dinner and charity auction, which will be held in the spring.
“My family and kids will be donating, and I encourage and invite everyone who has donated to the memorial (weekend) to donate with us,” she said.