Gem City (Breakfast) Kiwanis celebrate results of golf outing

SUBMITTED REPORT

QUINCY — Gem City Kiwanis (Breakfast Kiwanis) celebrated results of this year’s Sammy & Kids golf outing during its 2025 “Sammy Celebration”, Friday morning at the American Legion.

The October 12 outing, at Westview Golf Course, was the 26th event in memory of 10-year old Samantha Otte who died from complications of Cystic Fibrosis. This is Breakfast Kiwanis 11th year hosting this charitable endeavor started by family and friends of Chuck and June Otte in Samantha’s memory.

Proceeds from this year’s event, which raised $26,409, are donated to area programs serving children.

June reflected, “Samantha had so much energy and spirit, despite her illness. We are grateful that Breakfast Kiwanis has continued this event in her memory and we appreciate all the good you do for the kids in our community.”

Thank you, so much!” Chuck Otte added, “I can only ditto what June says, Thank you so much.”

Catherine Bocke Meckes Chief Executive Officer of the Community Foundation added that “your contributions will support children’s programs in many ways throughout the year.”

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

$6,600 was donated directly to the Sammy Fund.

$6,600 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 2026.

Event Chair Bruce Gardner said that “we have to thank our major sponsors, hole-sponsors, players, contributors and many volunteers for making the event a success.” Major Sponsors were Niemanns, Refreshment Services Pepsi, The Quincy Herald-Whig & WGEM.

Breakfast Kiwanis meets every Friday at 7 a.m. at the American Legion, 116 N 8 th St. Quincy and via ZOOM. The organization, whose mission is to “serve the children of the world”, does several fundraisers and donates thousands of hours annually for area children and community programs.

Next year’s outing is planned for Sunday, October 11, 2026.