Asher Tees Off for Its 11th Annual Golf Open  

On March 16th, Asher and Company, Ltd. celebrated its 11th Annual Golf Open on a day where outside, sleet and snow fell, but the office was filled with the warmth of fun and excitement of the day's event. 

A History Lesson

What started humbly as a way to provide a break for staff during the rigors of tax season has grown to become an Asher tradition of fun and community support.   For one day, the entire office is transformed into a visually-stunning indoor golf course with holes designed and constructed by staff as part of a team-building contest.  Each participant pays a nominal ‘greens fee’ which is donated to an organization chosen by the defending champion.  Asher also solicits friends of the firm to support the event. 

Creativity Comes Into Play

This year's Asher Open Design-A-Hole Contest saw many creative and unique entries.  Golf hole themes included a tribute to the board games Candy Land and Operation, the Sixties, YouTube, Asher's Softball Team, St. Patrick's Day, and the Master's Tournament. 

The winning hole was "Operation" designed by Denise Bettwy, Diana Hammerschmidt, and Tina Riccardi.  This hole entailed a giant mock-up of the game Operation.

This Year's Benefactor 

This year's defending champion, Frank Baratta, designated the American Cancer Society's Coaches vs. Cancer™ program as this year's benefactor.  The goal of the program is to raise awareness of cancer and in turn, reduce risk through educational programs while raising funds for American Cancer Society research, advocacy, education, and patient services programs. The Philadelphia program utilizes the basketball head coaches from Temple University, Drexel University, LaSalle University, St. Joseph’s University, Villanova University, and University of Pennsylvania.

The Grand Total 

With the support and participation of Asher clients, vendors, alumni and friends for a second consecutive year, the Asher Open raised approximately $3,800.

Sponsors contributed at special levels and Asher expressed gratitude to the following for their generosity: 

• Eagle donors: Dilsheimer Communities, Inc.
• Birdie donors: Michaels Development Company, Interstate Realty Management, Engle-Hambright & Davies, Inc., Bedford Capital Mid Atlantic LLC, R.J. Gallagher and Associates, Inc., Trefoil Properties, Inc., All Wrapped Up Gift Packaging, RSI, and  Zutz Insurance 
• Par donors: Mr. Eric Raab, Mr. Howard Asher
• Friend donors:  Mr. Joseph Lutes, Mr. Bob Beishline, Ms. Sue Lang, and Ms. Lisa Paparone Shallow
• Other donors:  Brian Forgione Memorial Fund and Mr. Donald Davis

Lunch was provided by Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

Closing Ceremony and Party

The day concluded with a catered staff party during which the day's top golfers and Design-A-Hole Contest winners were recognized.

This year's top golfer was Doug Hall, with a score of 22.  The following golfers followed close behind with a score of 24:  Brian Ferrara, Jim Hamill, Jason Montagna, and Chrissy Morro.  Those with a score of 25 were:  Carl Gunlefinger, Vicki Dworski, Chris Ness, Justine McGinley, and Nick Durso.

The Design-A-Hole Winners,  Denise Bettwy, Diana Hammerschmidt, and Tina Riccardi  were presented their $100 Barnes and Noble Gift Certificate.

All participating golfers received a small prize that they could choose from the “Pro Shop.”

Click on images for larger versions.

		Tribute to the Sixties golf hole designed by Randee Mellon, Jen Silvan, Peggy Robus, and Elizabeth Pilacik.
		Denise Bettwy awaits another swing by Justine McGinley's on the Sixties golf hole.
		The Masters Tournament golf hole designed by Pat Frey was decorated with a green jacket and all.
		Pat Frey looks on as Joe Kelly takes his first shot on the Masters Tournament golf hole.
		Emily Joo tests her golf skills on the Asher Softball Team hole.
		Diana Hammerschmidt and Denise Bettwy pose with their "Operation" golf hole.
		Jack Kolmansberger names the top winners of golf tournament and design-a-hole contest.
		Managing Director, Joe Beach (l) and 2006 Asher Open winner, Frank Baratta (r) with Carly Chizik from the Coaches vs. Cancer of Philadelphia program.