After last year’s event raised the total to nearly $980,000, everybody knew this would be the year the million dollar plateau would be achieved. And when Paul Koerner announced that $85,000 had been raised Thursday, there was a loud cheer from all present as recognition of this amazing accomplishment.
The money is divided each year between Effingham and St. Anthony high schools. Both schools’ sports departments will receive $42,500 this year.
Both Kevin Palmer, the Athletic Director at St. Anthony, and Dave Woltman, the Activities Director at EHS, expressed their thanks and gratitude to the Koerner family.
“There have been so many opportunities afforded our kids because of your generosity,” Palmer said. “We just thank everyone involved with this.”
“I hope you realize the great impact you’ve had on thousands and thousands of kids through the years,” Woltman added. “We are so appreciative of everyone for their participation.”
This year set a new record for participation. Two teams played a round Wednesday morning and 37 filled the Country Club course during the afternoon.
“I guess it could have been 10 degrees cooler, but heat beats rain,” Paul Koerner said.
Paul recalled when Koener Distributors first held a similar event to help Eastern Illinois University.
“But 26 years ago, we decided to refocus our efforts to the sports programs at St. Anthony and Effingham,” he noted. “We actually collaborated with Russ Marvel, plus the Booster Club and the Sportsbackers to start this event. We never imagined then that this one-day event would raise between $70,000 and $90,000 each year or ever hit a million dollars.
“It’s all because of the great event sponsors, the participants, the hole sponsors, those that donate auction or raffle items and everybody that helps in any way,” Paul added. “And it’s most gratifying to see how well both schools work together for this.”
Koerner made sure to point out that Midland States Bank, J&J Ventures, McHugh Hospitality Group, the New Car Dealers Association and Niemerg’s Steakhouse have been sponsors all 26 years. He also mentioned how valuable the support received from Martin Save-A-Lot, JCCI Cable, Taylor Law Office and Effingham Country Club was to the event.
Koener was also quick to mention “my two generals” – Mark Mayhood and Troy Greene.
“They have been part of this from the very beginning,” Paul said. “We would never be this successful without their efforts and involvement.”
“It’s been fun,” Mayhood admitted. “Reaching the million dollars was the goal. There are many people that played important roles in this happening. I’m proud to be a part of this.”
“The community has been so supportive,” Greene added. “We’ve been sold out or come close to selling out year after year. That’s what’s made reaching a million dollars possible. It’s un unbelievable event.”
“Last year, being our 25th year, we really wanted to reach a million dollars,” Paul admitted. “We fell a little short, but we knew we’d hit it this year.
“The Koerner family is proud to be associated with this event,” he explained. “I hope it’s something my family is always a part of. It’s amazing how people in this community have gotten behind this. There are so many who genuinely look forward to supporting this event and helping make a difference.”
