On a beautiful Monday morning, thirty-six golf teams descended on Toledo Country Club for Zepf Center’s Christmas in July Golf Outing. Drawing participation from Northwest Ohio and beyond, proceeds from this annual event will be used to purchase toys, warm clothes, and household items for over 200 families during the winter holiday season.

This year, the sold-out event was internally coordinated by Zepf Center's own Juana Barrow. As she temporarily swapped her executive assistant role for that of event coordinator, she and her team helped every detail fall into place. 

“The Golf Committee members recognize this event helps not only fund our youth and family services during the holiday season but helps to bring community awareness to the organization,” she said. “The event is truly a team effort.”

In addition to community members participating as golfers, several Zepf Center employees stepped out of their offices to volunteer for the event. Data Analyst Selena Arriaga has been a Zepf Center employee for several years and has served on the planning committee for the past four events.  

“It’s such an amazing day of support from our community, and I take pride in being on the committee,” she said. “I volunteer at the Holiday Shoppe which is supported by the golf outing. It is incredibly special to see the gratitude from the families who receive gifts.”

As this event is held annually, many community members look forward to returning year after year. For Jason Par and his team, the Zepf Center mission resonated with them so strongly that they drove over two hours to participate. The 2023 event marks their second year golfing at the outing and showing their support for Zepf Center.

“The reason we came out the first year was because of the location—it’s a nostalgic course for us,” said Par, a current Saginaw, MI resident. “After sitting through dinner last year, we realized how valuable Zepf Center is to the community. Substance abuse and mental health issues have impacted our family in the past, so we are happy to show our support.”

Because of dedicated participants like Par and his team, Zepf Center continues to go above and beyond for their clients and their well-being. This year’s event will specifically support additional care efforts like the Holiday Shoppe, enabling clients to enjoy a safe and happy winter holiday season.

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, volunteers, players, and Zepf Center staff for making this year's Christmas in July an incredible success,” said Chris Pawson, Zepf Center Board President. “Your ongoing support for our mission and the people we serve brings immeasurable joy and hope to our hearts."

This year’s event was successful thanks to each golfer, Zepf Center volunteer and supportive community member. Special thanks to our 2023 Golf Outing Committee:

Did you miss out on this event but still want to help make a difference? Visit zepfcenter.org/forms/invest-in-wellness/ to contribute today, or email [email protected] for more information.

To view the photo gallery from this year's event, click here!