Asher Tees Off for Its 12th Annual Golf Open  

On March 19th, Asher and Company, Ltd. celebrated its 12th Annual Golf Open - the first to be held at our new offices located at Ten Penn Center. 

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 Spring season, Margaritaville, Alex's Lemonade Stand, and Peeps candy. 

Television Coverage

This year, we were visited by NBC10 news, who ran highlights of Joyce Santiago, Doug Hall, and Vicki Dworski playing the course on the evening news.

This Year's Benefactor 

This year's defending champion, Doug Hall, designated Alex's Lemonade stand as this year's benefactor.  Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity, is a unique foundation that evolved from a young cancer patient's front yard lemonade stand to a nationwide fundraising movement to find a cure for pediatric cancer.  Since Alexandra "Alex" Scott (1996-2004) set up her front yard stand at the age of four, more than $17 million has been raised towards fulfilling her dream of finding a cure for all children with cancer.  We were proud to support such a great cause.

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 $3,410.

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 Timothy Dirkes.  As this year's winner, Tim will be in charge of selecting next year's Asher Open benefactor.

The Design-A-Hole Winners,  Jen Silvan, Wendy Riso, and Meghan Barrett 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 Alex's Lemonade Stand, this year's Asher Open benefactor.
		A few staff members take on the Margaritaville golf hole - this year's Design-a-Hole contest winner.
		One of the obstacles within the Peeps golf hole.
		Last year's Design-a-Hole contest winner, Operation, returns for an encore appearance.
		The "Pro Shop" contained items from Alex's Lemonade Stand water bottles to frisbees to candy.
		Jack Kolmansberger presents this year's top golfer, Timothy Dirkes, with the metal colander trophy.
		Diana Hammerschmidt (l) and Denise Bettwy (r) of Asher pose with Gillian Kocher (c) from Alex's Lemonade Stand.