NORWICH – Catholic Charities is seeking golf teams to participate in the Blarney Open Golf Tournament to be held Friday, July 15 at the Canasawacta Country Club in Norwich. The proceeds from this fund-raising venture help support many of the programs offered to local families by Catholic Charities of Chenango County.

Catholic Charities of Chenango County is a non-profit organization that proivides services to victims of domestic violence, people in need and families in crisis. Says Jane Coddington, outgoing Executive Director of Catholic Charities. “We began this tournament in 1985 in honor of Monsignor Festa. He served as pastor of St. Bartholomew’s Church here in Norwich from 1944 until 1986. He was passionate about golf and about the activities of Catholic Charities; and he was instrumental in the birth of Catholic Charities in Norwich. This tournament is a wonderful way to honor the Monsignor and to raise money for a good cause. Monies raised will be used to help our neighbors right here in Chenango County.”

This year, Catholic Charities was spproached by Mike Woods, owner of the Blarney Stone Pub here in Norwich. He felt passionate about this tournament and his community. So, the golf committee put their heads together. They kept the “bones” of the original Festa event and some exciting changes.