Pictured, from left, are: Rich Brunecz and Chris Burnett, Blind Pig Golf Tournament committee members; and Wende Lescynski, Single Parents Reaching Education to Employment program coordinator, as they present the SPREE program with a check. Submitted photo

On Sept. 18, 35 teams participated in The Blind Pig golf tournament held at South Hills Country Club. Since its inception in 2007, The Blind Pig golf tournament has helped dozens of community members in need. 2022 saw the continuation of giving as the money raised benefited multiple community members.

The Blind Pig is an annual golf tournament held in September, that started out as a way for a group of people to help a friend battling cancer. Over the years it has become one of the most popular golf tournaments in our area. Its goal is to help individuals and families who are battling cancer, but the funds also help individuals in the community regardless of their need. Since 2007, they have given monetary donations to close to 30 people and families.

In addition to The Blind Pig Committee, a large group of volunteers assist along with local businesses who sponsor the tournament, all working together to make this event successful. This year was very special as Jeff Sitler’s 9-year-old daughter, Kayla, saved up her allowance and donated $500 to the Blind Pig to help continue the tradition of helping those in need. In 2015, Jeff’s family was a recipient as his wife had battled cancer.

“People helping people is the best thing a community can do,” Jeff Sitler said. “The fact that local money helps local people is what it’s all about and this tournament does that in a big way.”

The Blind Pig Committee would like to thank the many volunteers and local businesses who contribute to the tournament as well as community members who play in it. The committee is grateful to the sponsors which include: The Empty Pint at Southern Tier Brewing Company who was the major sponsor along with All for Amy, Bill Miley, Bruce Johnson, Farm Fresh Foods, Frank Panebianco and Kristy Santibanez, Friends of HUGO, Jeff and Kayla Sitler, John Nelson Construction, Marra Distribution, Inc., Marty Carcione, RS Motors, St. James Faith Foundation, South Hills Country Club, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, Tim Hortons and Waddington’s Tavern.

For more information, contact Rich Brunecz at rbrunecz@stny.rr.com, Chris Burnett at southerntierburnett@yahoo.com or Jeff Rupp at jrupp128@gmail.com.