Golfers Support Veterans at 2014 NIPSCO Employee Golf Outing

Playing a game of golf, while also supporting veterans in need, proved to be a great time for everyone at the 2014 NIPSCO Employee Golf Outing. The sudden dropping temperatures of July didn't hold back the teams from enjoying a nice day of golfing with colleagues and friends.

Every year, NIPSCO has a Charity of Choice Campaign. It is completely employee driven and each year a charity is chosen to donate to. Events throughout the year raise funds to reach a monetary goal. This year, the proceeds from the outing are going to support organizations assisting military veterans in need. The team decided on a golf outing to help reach their end goal of $100,000 in donations.

“The neat thing about our annual Charity of Choice Campaign is that employees vote to select the cause that they want to support. This year, we voted to raise money and volunteer for veterans. Our employees come together to plan events like the golf outing, a car wash, house building project and a number of raffles, all with a goal of raising funds for the cause,” said External Communications Manager, Kathleen Szot.

The outing was played in a scramble format with 36 teams of four. Employees, customers and contractors all joined in to make a successful number of 144 golfers. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd, as well as prizes for longest drive and closest to the pin were awarded among the players.

“It is important for us, as a corporation, to give back to the community and the customers that we serve. That is our number one priority here. It is also great internally as well. It gives our employees time to spend with each other outside of work in a casual environment to build stronger relationships,” said Rick Calinski, NIPSCO Public Affairs Manager.

Before teeing off, participates were treated to some lunch and could join in the silent auction. After a tasty meal, everyone got in their carts and were ready to start the game.

State Senator, Jim Arnold, stopped by to say a few words about his appreciation for the donations to the charities for veterans.

“Events like this are going to go a long way in helping to provide for veterans in our area. I speak on the behalf of over 500,000 veterans in the state of Indiana, in which I am one, in saying thank you for coming out and participating in a event that will provide much needed funding,” said Indiana State Senator, Jim Arnold.

With such a great cause in mind, the employees of NIPSCO really worked hard to put on a fun event that helped the goal of raising funds for our local veterans. Golfing is always fun, but golfing for a cause was even more rewarding for those involved.

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