Notre Dame Food Services Director Chris Abayasinghe and the golf outing planning committee present a check for $15,000 to Donna Fischer, Special Projects Coordinator for Riley Children's Foundation.
For over 20 years, Notre Dame Food Services’ annual golf outing has been an opportunity to gather with our vendors and say thank you for their support of our dining programs. Last year, we added another component and turned it into a charity fundraiser benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project. On June 17, 2015 the tradition continued as we collaborated with our vendors again, this time to support Riley Children’s Foundation.
Riley Children’s Foundation is the fundraising arm of Riley Hospital for Children, known as one of the best children’s hospitals in the country. Gifts from events like our golf outing support the family-centered care and breakthrough pediatric research they are known for. Located nearby in Indianapolis, Riley Hospital cares for families in the Notre Dame community, including some within ND Food Services.
At dinner, Food Services’ own Jocie Antonelli shared her experience with Riley, describing the excellent care her daughter receives and the impact they have had on her family. University President Emeritus Rev. Edward A. Malloy, C.S.C. also spoke, relating how Riley helped his niece and family when their newborn son had severe health issues. Fr. Malloy also serves on the board for Riley.
From the beginning, all of our vendors were extremely enthusiastic and stepped forward to support the cause with outright financial donations, event sponsorships and in-kind contributions. More than 80 golfers and an additional 40 people came for dinner. Through the dedication of the golf committee and the generosity of our vendors, we presented a donation check to Riley at dinner for $15,000.
Great traditions continue to evolve and did so with NDFS supporting a wonderful charitable cause!
A wagon bearing Notre Dame Food Services' name will now join the Riley "fleet" and be used to transport patients in Riley Hospital.