Rain washed away the golf, but the event still was a success

Rain might have washed out the golf at the 13th annual Carl Cappa Memorial Classic, but the rest of the event went on as scheduled, resulting in another tremendous year for TRC’s most successful fund-raiser.

Heavy rain Sunday, August 9, had put the tournament in jeopardy, but organizers still were optimistic the event could go on as scheduled the following day. However, another round of heavy rain after daybreak Monday, coming in the midst of one of the wettest summers on record in our area, left the golf course at Moon Brook Country Club unplayable.

Organizers then quickly put into place their contingency plan, first trying to contact more than 100 golfers to advise them the tournament would not be played. They were able to get hold of most of the players, though some didn’t learn the tournament was canceled until they arrived at Moon Brook.

Arrangements then were made to salvage the rest of the day. Sponsors’ signs, which typically adorn the tee boxes throughout the golf course, were placed around the dining area at Moon Brook. Tables were set up for players to pick up their premiums and buy raffle tickets. Social hour and the dinner program were moved up earlier in the day.

Despite the disappointment at not holding the actual tournament, the event remained a festive occasion. Players spent social hour reuniting with friends and acquaintances. Many satisfied their golf addiction by playing scratch-off Fantasy Golf cards, joking with one another that they scored better in that came than they would had they played the actual tournament.

Following dinner, Gregory Bender, chair of the Tournament’s Steering Committee, took the podium. He joked that although everyone was down about having to cancel the tournament, the most disappointed probably were the on-course volunteers “who had to go back to work.” Gregg thanked the family of the event’s co-founder and namesake, the late Carl Cappa, for being the Tournament Sponsor again this year. He also thanked Moon Brook’s staff for making the necessary adjustments to put on a quality affair after the decision was made to cancel the tournament.

Paul Cesana, who is the President of TRC Foundation and the Executive Director of The Resource Center, spoke next. He told the audience of golfers, sponsors and family members that although the tournament was canceled, they could enjoy the “feeling that you still continue to make a tremendous contribution” to TRC’s mission of improving the lives of people with disabilities and other disadvantages.

“The Resource Center provides very critical supports to literally thousands of children, adults and families,” said Paul, adding that community members support TRC’s mission through financial contributions and by providing employment and work opportunities to people with disabling conditions.”

“You really are part of our team,” Paul said. “You’re part of our effort.”

Michael Cappa then took the podium. Mike, who took his father’s place as the tournament’s honorary Chair when Carl passed away in 2001, reminded the audience how much the Cappa Classic had meant to his father.

“My dad totally believed in this,” said Mike. He noted that with the roughly $60,000 in net proceeds from this year’s event, the total amount raised since the Cappa Classic was started in 1997 is approaching $1.1 million, making it the number one one-day, charity golf tournament in Western New York.

“It’s unbelievable the turnout in respect for my father,” Mike said. “The committee and myself are going to make this tournament a success as long as I’m around, I guarantee it.”

Michael Cappa, left, and his mother, Catherine, present a check to Paul Cesana, the President of TRC Foundation. The check represents the estimated net proceeds from the 13th annual Carl Cappa Memorial Classic, bringing the tournament’s cumulative net earnings close to $1.1 million.

The evening also included a tribute to Samuel Restivo, who co-founded the Cappa Classic with Carl. Sam, a former Director of Human Resources and Interim Executive Director at The Resource Center, passed away in January. His family members were on hand Monday for the dinner, and they were presented with a plaque acknowledging Sam’s efforts in establishing the tournament.

Mike Cappa and Paul Cesana pose with members of Sam Restivo’s family – from left, son Carm, wife Arline and son Sam.

Following recognition of the tournament’s major sponsors, the evening came to a close. Those registered to play in the tournament were given a voucher to play a round of golf at Moon Brook. And everyone left hoping this was the first and last year that the Cappa Classic was canceled.

Proceeds from the Carl Cappa Memorial Classic benefit TRC Foundation. Click here to learn more about this annual event.