HAVE A GOOD TIME & HELP A GOOD CAUSE: ACCESS

Of The Red River Valley Golf Classic

Access of the Red River Valley’s 11th Annual Golf Classic will be August 7, 2018, at the Meadows Golf Course in Moorhead. All tournament profits go to programs and services designated to enable children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental illness to live a full life. The tournament begins at noon with a shotgun start.

Access of the Red River Valley is a local nonprofit committed to providing care and support to disabled individuals in their right to lead dignified, independent lives in the community. It was named the 2017 Not-for-Profit of the Year by the Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo Chamber of Commerce. “I found my mission is to make a difference in people’s lives,” says Kathy Potter, executive director. “Our clients are like family. We want our clients to be individuals.”

Access specializes in one-on-one services. They assist clients with daily living skills such as mentoring, independent living, social skills and setting life goals. They also provide respite services and in-home family support. “We coordinate with the case manager, the guardian and/or parents, and the day provider to come up with goals and plans and meet regularly to maintain and accomplish these goals,” says Krista Svobodny, human resource manager.

Access also has its own specialized activity center. The Michael Czichotzki Learning Center (MCLC) is a triplex, built in partnership with Heritage Homes in 2007. It includes space for socializing with peers and families. It is named for Michael Czichotzki whose parents founded the not-for-profit agency in 1984. The MCLC also offers events such as the Inspire Lab and many other field trips, such as Red Hawks games and the Red River Valley Zoo, in the community.

All of the proceeds from the golf tournament will provide for the extra expenses for the clients. “We had a client who arrived with only a t-shirt and two mismatched socks in a Hornbacher’s bag,” says Potter. “Some clients need additional support to purchase things like clothes or shoes, so our golf tournament helps to defray those costs. What we want for our clients is what we want for our own kids. That is the bottom line.”

The Access Golf Classic started in 2007 and came out of a conversation between Potter and Matt Blair. Blair was an outside linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings for all 12 seasons of his career from 1974 to 1985. The Vikings are still great supporters of the tournament. Rickey Young, a former running back, played in the first tournament and has never missed one since. The event includes a burger lunch, a silent and live auction, and an awards ceremony. The live auction often includes autographed jerseys and footballs donated by the Minnesota Vikings. There are many sponsorship opportunities for companies and individuals.

“Almost everyone chooses to come back and enjoy the tournament,” states Potter. “Its about helping the clients. Lots of teams come to have a good time and help a good cause.”

Minnesota State University Moorhead

For More Information

about the 11th Annual Access Golf Classic contact Michelle:

Email: michelle.pearson@accessrrv.org

Phone: 218-233-3991

Website: accessrrv.org