Golf Tournament Co-chair Reflects on his $1.3M Impact on The Arc Baltimore

After the dust settled from The Arc Baltimore’s 20^th Annual Golf Tournament, tournament committee co-chair Mike Eikenberg from Expressway Office Solutions reflected on his involvement with The Arc Baltimore and its golf tournament:

Mike Eikenberg,
Golf Tournament co-chair

I became associated with The Arc in 1985. The Arc Baltimore has a very special place in my heart. My Uncle Franny received live-in residential services at his home on Radcliffe Rd in Towson from The Arc Baltimore (it was known as BARC back then) from 1984-1991. Their staff also supported him at his job. The Arc Baltimore is a wonderful organization. From Steve Morgan down, I see the commitment of the employees and the impact they make in our community every day!  Most employees are with a company just to collect a paycheck. The exact opposite is true at The Arc.

It’s been great to see the tournament evolve since it started 20 years ago. The tournament has continued to flourish through a very difficult recession; we are very appreciative to all our sponsors who help make this tournament successful every year.  I always get an awesome feeling at the tournament especially when supported individuals come out to volunteer. It is a true reminder of The Arc’s mission.

The tournament has been so successful because of Libby Bryant. It begins and ends with her.  She has been the driving force for 20 years that keeps this tournament organized and successful. In addition to Libby’s hard work, our corporate sponsors witness and appreciate all of The Arc’s work in the Baltimore community. Each year, it gets easier for them to support the tournament.  

My association with The Arc Baltimore and having the opportunity to contribute to their mission has brought me great pleasure.

Editor’s note: As a result of Mike and his fellow co-chair, Chuck Shettle’s 20 years of dedication and hard work, The Arc Baltimore’s annual golf tournament raised over $1.3 million dollars in support of our programs and services for adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities!

Ken Mays (far left) from title sponsor Scientific Plant Service, Chuck Shettle (in red) and Mike Eikenberg (in striped shirt in back) present a check for nearly $1.3M to Executive Director Steve Morgan and two crew members from The Arc Baltimore's landscape services.

A Generosity of Treasure and Spirit

By Kate McGuire, Chief Advancement Officer

The November and December holidays are often a time at The Arc Baltimore when we are reminded how deeply our members and contributors care about people with disabilities and about our mission and what we do here. Their offerings and responses to requests are motivating to us – and can be humbling. Let me tell you why.

We sent out a holiday appeal earlier this month and told a story about John from one of our programs in Towson. To put it mildly, he loves to give presents and he takes great care over many months to select meaningful presents for everyone on his shopping list. The story touched more than one reader as notes congratulating John have accompanied contributions.

But there was one note from someone who could not send a contribution, but who took the time to write a note and express her appreciation for our work and explain why she could not send a check. She has a nephew with autism and she is trying to help the family with some expensive therapy needs. She hopes to give to us again in the future.

Some families we know make a small gift every month. Some do it with an automatic debit from their credit card so they can spread their gift out over the year. Some of our families do the same, but retain a habit from years past and send their monthly gifts in envelopes we’ve provided, or in their own.  This habit often continues, even if a loved one we knew may have passed. One such gift came last week from a mother who is missing her daughter who passed away suddenly this past year. We feel her anguish. November and December holidays aren’t always easy times.

A long-time board volunteer heard about a new program we are fundraising for (with a challenge grant fundraising match requirement) and he increased his usual contribution by nearly 40%. Another board member responded to a request for Thanksgiving food packages – and delivered an overflowing bag the next day. Our volunteer leadership are so invested in our mission and we appreciate their commitment.

Lastly, an employee of one of our employers contacted me last week. He said that his division collects $1 every week from employees who want to enjoy casual Friday dress. They want to give the collection to The Arc. It’s such a small way to make a difference – but so meaningful.

These are but a few recent examples of the generosity of treasure and spirit that we witness. Donations come large and small, and honestly, mostly small, but no less impactful. We work hard to remind and convince our readers that it’s a good time to give. State funds are very restricted. It’s the contributions from family members, friends, and others who admire and care about people with disabilities that can help us do the extras – emergency assistance for eviction prevention, construction of wheelchair ramps, outings with friends, or even a telephone headset so a gentleman who can’t grip the receiver can still talk to his girlfriend. Simple things. Vital things.

These “extras” aren’t really extra to the people we impact. They are essential. It’s why we shared John’s story and why we appeal for your support. It’s why we are grateful for every single contribution entrusted to us.

Thank you, and no matter the holiday you celebrate, let it be peaceful, healthy, and full.