SUNSHINE at Thornapple Pointe
We have sunshine and perfect temperatures for the 19th Annual Charity Golf Event, to benefit Camp Sunshine, on May 29! We’re thrilled to be hosting a same-day, in-person event at our long-time venue in Grand Rapids.
What’s different this year is that we’ll have morning and afternoon flights, which increases the capacity for golfers and lets you fit it into your schedule conveniently. What’s the same is scramble format, special competitions and prizes, good food before and after golfing, and plenty of fun and fellowship. As is our tradition, this event is in loving memory of Lana Antvelink, who attended Camp Sunshine every summer for 19 years.
What’s the same and different is Camp Sunshine itself, which will receive the proceeds from this fundraising event.
Register for either a morning or afternoon flight, for yourself or your foursome. The entry fee of $125 per person includes greens fee, electric cart, mixed-grill lunch and morning or afternoon breakfast or snack foods, a gift bag, and prizes! Silent auction items will be available for bidding.
Lana's Camp Sunshine Story, from Jim and Krys Antvelink
Our daughter, Lana, attended Camp Sunshine from its beginning in 1983. For almost twenty years, once her birthday was over on March 6, she would begin the countdown until Camp Sunshine, usually held in August. She was once asked, “What is your favorite thing about Camp Sunshine?” She answered, “I can’t think of one thing because I like everything!”
As a camper, Lana enjoyed all the special times of crafts, singing, swimming, and devotions. Every year there was also a special activity such as a petting zoo, horse rides, boat rides, and even an elephant ride. There is no time for boredom at Camp Sunshine.
When Lana was at camp, we knew that she was being cared for and loved by the staff and counselors who serve on a one-to-one ratio with each camper. The Camp Sunshine volunteers are there because of their love for these special individuals. Lana was loved for who she was; her abilities were important, not her disability.
One of the highlights of her week was the Talent Show, when each camper could do what they liked best. Lana loved to dance… and she was free to dance without her mother there to inhibit her. As it became more difficult for her because of her heart problems, the staff would let her dance but limit her time.
The Lord is present in each person there whether they are staff, counselor or camper. While it was held at Camp Geneva, Lana wrote that she went to Camp Geheaven… it was “heaven on Earth” to her, and continued to be as it moved to Camp Blodgett.
Praise God for Camp Sunshine!
Claire Antvelink and Katie VanOeveren
7 a.m. Check-in and continental breakfast
8 a.m. Morning flight shotgun start
12 p.m. Check-in for p.m. golfers and mixed-grill lunch for all
1:30 p.m. Afternoon flight shotgun start; snacks available starting mid-afternoon
Special Events
Sunshine Ball contest
Two Hole-in-One events
Longest Drive
Longest Putt
Closest to the Pin
Remembering Lana Antvelink
Thank you to our sponsors
This event is possible because of the enthusiastic attendance of golfers, and because of the generosity of sponsors, who this year include: meal, golf cart, and pin flag sponsors Gentex, Integra Realty Resources—Grand Rapids, Lighthouse Title, Magna Mirrors, Spring City Family Dental, Todd Wenzel Automotive; business Ace sponsors Apex Spring and Stamping, Dickinson and Wright, DRS Family Dental, Hex Armor, and Lighthouse Insurance; individual Ace sponsors Bob and Jan Bigelow, Steve and Sandy Donker, Larry and Cindy Terlouw, and Alan and Jeannie Woelfel; and business Eagle sponsors Eagle Industrial Group and Meijer (199) in Caledonia.
Deep gratitude to these sponsors, as well as the in-kind donors who contributed food and beverages, prizes for golfers, and more--and to the many volunteers who cheerfully attended to the logistics of the day.