Thanks for the putts!
CADES board member Mike Mastrangelo playing the first-place Egyptian hole created by the Cooney family of Wallingford. Photo: Anne Merz
To the Editor,
On Sunday, January 26, CADES was transformed into an international world of indoor winter putt putt fun with a super turnout from the community (640 golfers), help from 150 plus volunteers, and 18 groups of brilliant mini golf hole makers. Janelle and Gerry Cooney captured first place for their Egyptian hole; second prize went to CADES therapist Jenn Lisberger and her team for an interactive Paris hole. Third prize was awarded to Sun East Federal Credit Union’s Hollywood tribute under the direction of Tom Hennessey. Thanks to our hole judges State Senator Tim Kearney, Swarthmore Mayor Marty Spiegel, and CADES CEO Julie Alleman.
As well as our award winners, a shout out goes to our creative and hardworking hole makers from area high schools, including Strath Haven (Holland, Easter Island), Ridley (Where Would You Go?), Penncrest (Africa), Garnet Valley (Caribbean and Fly Around the World), Strath Haven Middle School (France), Widener University (Philadelphia Tribute), and the Swarthmore College women’s tennis team (Singapore). The Armstrong Gold family brought us to the Emerald City and Across the Pond. AEON Architecture’s Arabian Night and Kleinman Phillips duo’s incredible tribute to 180 Days Around the World, complete with hot air balloon, were imaginative and out of this world.
The festivities included more than 50 raffle baskets donated by local groups such as the Community Arts Center, Vicki’s Place, the Inn at Swarthmore, and the Philadelphia Eagles, to name just a few. Super thanks to the Philly Phanatic for a guest appearance. We are also grateful for the financial support from the Law Offices of Joseph Lesniak, LLC, Swarthmore Pediatrics, Perri Evanson Homes, Sun East Federal Credit Union, Moppert Brothers Auto Collision Specialists, Forwood & Christie Orthodontics, and Gerry and Janelle Cooney, in addition to our many hole sponsors. A group from Strath Haven Middle School spent their Martin Luther King service day at CADES, helping to make the signs as well as getting to know the students at CADES. Putters and balls on loan from Rob Kokordik at Putt Putt Fun Center were clutch!
Originally begun as the Strath Haven Middle School’s 8th grade service project five years ago, Putt Putt Palooza has raised over $50,000 for CADES initiatives. The event has also served as a playful way to build a bridge between the community and CADES — a chance to come inside from the playground and fields and see a wonderful, caring, and supportive place that is truly out of this world. Thank you all so much for your amazing support of CADES!
Sincerely,
Jo Dean DeSilva, Ruth McFadyen, Jennifer Lyons, Chris Burk, Donna Cresson, Kelli Young, Jennifer Vincent, Ali Holsinger, Andrea Steckline, and Anne Merz
