M.B. Dillon
Special to The Michigan Catholic

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — The Ladies of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul welcomes the public to its Swing Golf Outing on June 10 at The Heathers Club of Bloomfield Hills.

Not up for competing for prizes at the nine-hole/best ball scramble? Come and just enjoy a delicious lunch and fellowship in a lovely setting, said Liz Okoniewski, Ladies of Charity co-president.

"The golf course is beautiful. We'll also have a fashion boutique with jewelry, handmade gift items and spring fashions," as well as a Tin Cup Raffle with a variety of interesting baskets, she said.

Founded by St. Vincent de Paul to help the poorest of the poor in 17th-century war-torn France, the Ladies of Charity is the oldest Catholic laywoman's organization in the world. The Oakland County chapter celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

"By supporting our golf outing, you will help us continue to provide food, clothing and household items for those less fortunate in Oakland County," said Irene Reich, the group's treasurer and chairwoman of the spring Swing. "We can accommodate a maximum of 60 golfers, so reserve early."

More than 20,000 individuals per year are assisted by the Ladies of Charity's Clothes Closet, based at St. Hugo of the Hills in Bloomfield Hills. The group also assists autistic children and provides handmade blankets for hospital patients, among numerous other charitable projects.

"We have two or three major fundraisers a year, and this is one of them," said co-president Marilyn Cooke. "It helps us function. We don't have one paid person on staff. One hundred percent of the money we raise is donated. We don't have administrative costs; that's the type of nonprofit we are."

The cost for golf (open to men and women) and lunch is $100. For lunch only, the charge is $45. Hole sponsorships are $100. Checks may be made payable to "Ladies of Charity" and sent to Lynn Martin, 30 Nantucket Drive, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. Donations in any amount from those unable to attend are welcome. Reservations are due by May 21.

Golf registration for twosomes, foursomes and/or individuals at The Heathers, 900 Upper Scotsborough Way, will begin at 8:30 a.m., with a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m., rain or shine. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m., and there will be a cash bar.

"Why support us? The money that we get from this golf outing will enable us to carry out our mission to serve the poor," said Okoniewski.

"The Heathers is a beautiful place to golf. It's also an opportunity to shop and a great way to meet other women who are interested in volunteering and helping the poor," said Cooke.

For more information, contact Reich at [email protected], or (248)524-9163.