Gem City Breakfast Kiwanis raises more than $22,000 from Sammy and Kids golf outing

QUINCY — Gem City Kiwanis (Breakfast Kiwanis) announced at its “Sammy Celebration” Friday, Dec. 2, that this year’s Sammy and Kids golf outing raised $22,259.

The event, held Oct. 9 at Westview Golf Course, is the continuation of a 15-year effort by the family and friends of 10-year old Samantha Otte, who died from complications of cystic fibrosis. This is the eighth year Breakfast Kiwanis has continued this charitable endeavor started by family and friends of Chuck and June Otte in Samantha’s memory.

Funds from the event are donated to area programs serving children.

In a press release, June Otte said, “We are deeply grateful for all the support Kiwanis has given the children of Quincy. Thank you, so much!”

Chuck Otte added, “We are humbled by the continued community support of the event in Samantha’s memory. Thank you.”

Proceeds from this year’s event have been allocated as follows.

• $5,500 was donated directly to the Sammy Fund.
• $5,500 was donated to The Community Foundation – Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund.

Gem City Kiwanis Foundation will include the remaining proceeds in its normal grant process in April 2023.

Event chair Bruce Gardner stated, “We have to thank our major sponsors, hole-sponsors, players,
contributors and many volunteers for making the event a success.”

Major sponsors were County Market, Refreshment Services Pepsi, Quincy Herald-Whig and WGEM.

Next year’s outing is planned for Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.