15th Annual C-REF Golf Tournament Brings the Community Together

The Cobleskill-Richmondville Education Foundation’s 15th Annual Golf Tournament proved once again that a little rain can’t dampen the spirit of our community. Golfers, sponsors, and volunteers came together for a day filled with laughter, friendly competition, and a shared commitment to supporting CRCS students. This year’s event drew a record number of golfers and money raised!

Held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, ninety two golfers participated and the tournament raised $18,025 in sponsorships, plus numerous gift certificates. “The exciting factor concerning the tournament is that it remains popular and well attended and we have made more money incrementally each year”, said Gayle Westervelt, C-REF President. “Our sponsors and our golfers are INCREDIBLY generous and our students continue to benefit from their generosity. Due to them, we have been able to help literally thousands of students in large and small ways. Our students are ready to write their next chapter in their pursuit of education.”

As part of the day’s celebration, C-REF also presented the Silver Bulldog Award for the third consecutive year. This year’s honoree was Steve Harris, executive chairman of Sterling Insurance, Schoharie County native, and Cobleskill alum. Harris is recognized for his extraordinary commitment to community service, including his role as a founding trustee of the Schoharie Economic Enterprise Corp. (SEEC) and as chair of the Sterling Foundation, which supports numerous local organizations.

Josh McCann, a colleague and friend, introduced Harris before the tournament kicked off: “What I find most remarkable about Steve is his humility. Despite his many accomplishments, he approaches every interaction with genuine care for others. He sees potential where others might see problems, and he consistently asks not, ‘What’s in it for me?’, but ‘How can we make this better for everyone?’”

In his acceptance, Harris reflected on both the honor and his deep connection to the community. “I want to, of course, thank the Cobleskill-Richmondville Education Foundation, not just for this great honor, but for all the work they’re doing for the youth of our community… I’m in a position to help others and make the community a place where other young people want to come back to—I want to do that.”

Congratulations to this year’s Tournament Winners:

1st Gross Team – Ed Palmatier, Lee Miller, Mike Perno, Joe Mangano

2nd Gross Team – Zach Bulka, Alesha Peimer, Fred Sperbeck, Jason Marsh

1st Net Team – Sandy Poole, Laurie Van Deusen, Betsy Van Deusen, Nancy Van Deusen

2nd Net Team - CJ Warner, Carl Warner, Andy Rightmyer, Gary Rightmyer

Last Gross Team – Sandy MacKay, Tom Collins, Bob Libby, Jim Ipsen

Mens Longest Drive – Mike Murray

Ladies Longest Drive – Pam Wilday-Hojohn

Ladies Closest to the Pin – Sandy Poole 16’ 9’’

Mens Closest to the Pin – Paul Murray 9’ 2’’

Putting Contest – Dwayne Miller – 4’’

15 years of swinging for a cause—and many more years of fun, friendship, and support for our CRCS students! Thank you C-REF!

Platinum Sponsors: Sterling Insurance Company Foundation; An Anonymous Donor; NFP; John and Kellyanne Murray Charitable Foundation

Gold Sponsors: An Anonymous Donor; Herkimer Diamond Mines Inc.; Janney Montgomery Scott

Silver Sponsors: Country Boy Real Estate; Joan Sondergaard; Terry and Gayle Gaetano Westervelt

Bronze Sponsors: Bank of Richmondville; Exchange Club of Cobleskill; SUNY Cobleskill Foundation; Allan and Nancy Tillapaugh

Green or Tee Sponsors: Accelsports; Appraisal Associates; Catholic Charities; Cobleskill Veterinary Clinic; COD Oil Delivery Inc.; Steve and Kathy Cole; J. S. Hertzler Construction; High View Hideway; Kyle’s Waste Management; Lamont Engineers, PC; Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home; New England Calendar Company; Team Murray; Total Wave Car Wash Inc.; Bruce and Carole Tryon; Jon Van Deusen's Memory; WaDaYaNeed; Kim and Cathy Weidman; Daniel and Anne Zeh

Prize, In-Kind and Other Donors: Canajoharie Golf and Country Club; Cobleskill Golf and Country Club; The College Golf Course at Delhi; Oneonta Country Club; Pinehaven Country Club; Saratoga National Golf Club; Stamford Golf Club; Wolferts Roost Country Club; Sterling Insurance; Brick House Bakery; Bull’s Head Inn; Chieftans; C-R Food Services; Dollar General-Richmondville; 4EverBods; Howard Hanna – Sandy Poole Team; Locomotions; Serious Brewing Company; Jack Westphal; Harold Loder