MONROE - The idea for a fun, summer evening that lead to Dinner and "A Little Golf" was hatched 23 years ago. The event has grown into a successful fundraiser for a worthy cause. This year's event begins at 4:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. June 28 at Swissland Miniature Golf Course and the New Glarus Hotel in New Glarus.
New Glarus businessman Hans Lenzlinger recalls that in 1992, while he was a member of Monroe Clinic's board of directors, the board was challenged by the then-president Bill Robichaux to do something to benefit the hospital.
Lenzlinger, owner of a mini-golf course and two restaurants in New Glarus, decided to put the enterprises together, and the event known as Dinner and "A Little Golf" was born. A lively round of mini-golf at Swissland Miniature Golf Course is followed by a gourmet meal at the New Glarus Hotel. The first year, the event raised around $5,000. In 2015, more than $50,000 was raised.
The growth of the event has included the addition of both a silent and live auction, and has benefited from Lenzlinger's ties to the University of Wisconsin athletic department. Past head coaches of the men's basketball and football teams have attended and donated auction items.
One year UW football coach Bret Bielema donated football tickets to be auctioned. Two people were bidding furiously on the two available tickets. Bielema agreed to get two more tickets and match the bids if each party agreed on the highest bid of $2,000. That brought the total for tickets to $4,000, and with Bielema's match, a total of $8,000 was raised.
Over the years, Lenzlinger and former Monroe Clinic Hospice Director Carla Stadel recall some logistical ups and downs, including the year a storm threatened the outdoor dinner, which was to be held at Chalet Landhaus. The entire event was moved to the New Glarus Hotel in about two hours.
Two things about the event have remained the same over the years: The New Glarus Hotel and Chalet Landhaus have donated both event space and food to benefit the event and all proceeds are used to benefit Monroe Clinic Hospice programs for both patients and families.
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Sue Wegman at 608-324-1264.
New Glarus businessman Hans Lenzlinger recalls that in 1992, while he was a member of Monroe Clinic's board of directors, the board was challenged by the then-president Bill Robichaux to do something to benefit the hospital.
Lenzlinger, owner of a mini-golf course and two restaurants in New Glarus, decided to put the enterprises together, and the event known as Dinner and "A Little Golf" was born. A lively round of mini-golf at Swissland Miniature Golf Course is followed by a gourmet meal at the New Glarus Hotel. The first year, the event raised around $5,000. In 2015, more than $50,000 was raised.
The growth of the event has included the addition of both a silent and live auction, and has benefited from Lenzlinger's ties to the University of Wisconsin athletic department. Past head coaches of the men's basketball and football teams have attended and donated auction items.
One year UW football coach Bret Bielema donated football tickets to be auctioned. Two people were bidding furiously on the two available tickets. Bielema agreed to get two more tickets and match the bids if each party agreed on the highest bid of $2,000. That brought the total for tickets to $4,000, and with Bielema's match, a total of $8,000 was raised.
Over the years, Lenzlinger and former Monroe Clinic Hospice Director Carla Stadel recall some logistical ups and downs, including the year a storm threatened the outdoor dinner, which was to be held at Chalet Landhaus. The entire event was moved to the New Glarus Hotel in about two hours.
Two things about the event have remained the same over the years: The New Glarus Hotel and Chalet Landhaus have donated both event space and food to benefit the event and all proceeds are used to benefit Monroe Clinic Hospice programs for both patients and families.
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Sue Wegman at 608-324-1264.
