Making a difference in people’s lives

NACC Philly golf outing raises $5,000 for Habitat for Humanity

A month after the Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce Philadelphia annual golf outing,Vice President Hans-Petter Andresen (second from left) and Treasurer Christer Andresen (second from right) present a $5,000 check to Habitat for Humanity Chester County at Habitat’s golf outing.

MICHAEL KLEINER
Business & Sports Editor
The Norwegian American

The team of Andresen and Andresen did it again with another successful golf outing that doubles as a fundraiser for Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce Philadelphia (NACC Philly) and a benefit for a designated charity. It was the 16th Annual Scandinavian Golf Outing, “The 5th Major,” at the Lu Lu Country Club in Glenside, Pa., Aug. 23.

NACC Philly President Chris Burmeister likes to talk about members finding a task or activity they’re interested in working on and pursuing it. He cites the enthusiasm Vice President Hans-Petter Andresen and Treasurer Christer Andresen devote to organizing the golf outing.

Kendra Scott sold her jewelry and made a donation based on her sales at the event and online the next day to Habitat for Humanity Chester County.

Habitat for Humanity Chester County was this year’s charity and received $5,000, which was presented to them at their golf outing a month later. In addition, Kendra Scott, who sold her jewelry during the day, made a donation based on her sales at the event and online the next day.

And when asked the fun he has in organizing the event, Christer Andresen didn’t mention the golf.

“I take pleasure in the fact that we make a difference in people’s lives,” he said. “It is a little bit of effort for a lot of reward. Often, when we are playing in other charity outings or going to a fundraiser, we might meet people that are in charge of a charity that we feel might be a good fit.  We have had about 15 different charities that have benefitted (sometimes more than one). The various charities we have sponsored have included: support of kids; wounded veterans; helping cure a specific disease, illness or other challenges, food banks, low-income housing.”

The winning foursome at the Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce Philadelphia annual golf outing, from left, Tom Brower, Shane Hostetter, NACC Philly Vice President and golf outing co-organizer Hans-Petter Andresen, and David Murphy (far right) with golf outing co-organizer and NACC Philly Treasurer Christer Andresen (second from right).

What’s impressive is they’ve managed to hold the last two outings despite the pandemic.

“We have been fortunate in that the golf course was open, the dinner was outside (under a tent), and that people respected each other’s space and that no one ended up sick,” said Christer Andresen. “The atmosphere was great. In all the years we have done this, people come back because they have so much fun. It is a day that most people look forward to.”

There were 85 golfers—record 125 last year–and 100 people for the dinner. There was a silent auction, which included wine, food, a Jakob Glesnes Philadelphia Union jersey, and more. There were a total of 37 companies and individuals who donated to the raffle and auction and nine hole sponsorships. 

“We get about 15 golfers from the chamber and the rest HP and I get from our networks,” said Christer Andresen.

There were prizes for long drives, drives closest to the hole and for a hole-in-one, which James Augusterfer nailed, earning him a new Toyota Camry. 

“HP has a friend from Team Toyota, that not only was playing golf, but he also was a silver sponsor and was willing to provide the car in a Hole-in-One contest that someone actually won. First time, I have experienced it.”

All photos courtesy of the Norwegian  American Chamber of Commerce Philadelphia

This article originally appeared in the Oct. 22, 2021, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.