As Lutheran Special School & Education Service (LSSES) heads into its 50th year of ministry to students, their families, and teachers, it continues to be an advocate and resource for students from all backgrounds with specific educational needs. For many of the students, this may be the first time they are exposed to Christianity on a consistent basis. The faculty, staff and volunteers strive to help them recognize and utilize their God-given potential through programs and services and to bring them to their saving knowledge of the Lord and Savior.
Since it is a tax-exempt organization operating independently from the SW district and any congregation, LSSES relies solely on donations, grants, fundraisers and fees to finance its programs. Each year, LSSES is responsible for raising over $500,000 beyond tuition and direct service fees. It is only through gifts from donors and congregations, grants, memorials and special events that we are able to provide special education programs to children and schools throughout south Wisconsin.
Many of these needed funds come from the annual golf outing, slated for Monday, May 19, 2008 The golf committee at LSSES is hoping for a repeat of last year’s sunny, warm weather when the 19th annual “Play A-Round for Special Kid”s golf tournament is held at North Hills Country Club.
“When it comes to raising needed funds for our programs and services for kids, the weather has never ruined the success of our golf outing,” say Fund Development Director Michelle Wagner. “Of course, we love it when we’re blessed with great weather, but even when we’ve had rained, attendees have enjoyed a great auction and dinner. Golfers are eager to golf at North Hills, so we always have a rain date scheduled just in case.”
North Hills Country Club in Menomonee Falls is filled with large wooded areas and rolling fields. The Menomonee River runs through the course, providing scenic beauty as well as natural hazards. It’s well known as the home of the Vince Lombardi golf outing classic. As a private club, it’s the only time a golfer may get to play at North Hills.
The competitive format is a scramble with a shotgun start. Foursomes are invited in three flights: men, women and mixed couples (individual registrants will be grouped by the golf committee). A modified Callaway scoring system is used by the club professional to determine winners.
Two holes offer major hole-in-one prizes. In addition, various prizes will be awarded in each flight with contests on every hole and a separate putting contest. Golf and door prizes will be awarded during the evening program.
Besides enjoying the day, there are other ways for individuals and companies to participate in the outing. Anyone who has an auction item or would like to donate to the outing is encouraged to call the school or one of the committee members.
Invitations and registration materials are available online at lsses.org or by calling the school at (414) 461-8500. If you know one of the committee members personally, give them a call to see how you can help.
This year’s committee members are Marty Schreiber, Judy Schultz, Tim Dittloff, Bob Engel, Mike Fischer, Ken Frantz, Paul Haut, Joe Kopinski, Roger Laesch, Paul Markworth, John Mueller, Bob Pieters, Andy Reahm, Todd Seider, Dave Stamm, Tera Stamm, Vida Stanton, Sue Szymkowski, Michelle Wagner and John Walther.