Over 140 golfers braved the cold February weather to participate in the Holland Employee Charitable Foundation’s (HECF) annual winter charity golf tournament, the Klondike Klassic. The golfers, along with over 85 sponsors, helped the HECF in raising $25,000 for an area charity.
Community and charitable support has always been a priority for Swansea, IL-based Holland Construction Services, which established the HECF in 2015 with the mission of helping others in the community through donations and volunteering. Like other HECF initiatives, the annual Klondike Klassic is employee-run and driven. To date, the Klondike Klassic has raised over $180,000 for local charities which are voted on annually by the seven-member foundation advisory committee.
Each year when choosing a beneficiary, the committee looks at smaller, deserving charities that may not get much funding outside of their own fundraisers. This year’s tournament benefitted the Jared Burke Foundation (JBF). The JBF provides memorable outdoor adventures to individuals who have a disability or major health problem. The JBF also works with local organizations providing hunter safety courses. Much of their work is with the youth and disabled veterans.
At the conclusion of the golf tournament, members of the HECF presented a $25,000 check to JBF founder, John Burke. “I cannot express the heartfelt thanks I have for Holland Construction for this donation. Unbelievable and humbling…God bless all involved,” said Burke. He added that the donation will provide at least five full hunting trips.