In a summer characterized by frequent thunderstorms, rain and heatwaves the weather on August 11, was picture perfect for Suffield Rotary’s 32nd Annual Glenn T. Packard Golf Tournament.
The tournament honored the memory of Glenn, a National Honor Society student at Suffield High School and an outstanding three varsity sports athlete. He was an All-State player in soccer and played on the 1978 State Soccer Championship Team. After graduating from Notre Dame and returning to Suffield, Glenn was active in supporting all forms of local youth sports programs.
He died tragically, at the age of 31, in a car accident. After his untimely death some close friends created a foundation in his name, to be funded by an annual memorial golf tournament in his honor. The foundation’s goal has always been “to enhance the quality of educational sports and recreational programs in the community.”
Pictured left to right are Glenn’s sister, Diane Packard, Glenn’s mother Flo Packard and granddaughter Danielle Annibalini.
Eventually, at the request of the foundation’s founders, the Suffield Rotary assumed the honor, task and responsibility of running the tournament, pledging to keep it faithful to its founding goals.
The tournament is blessed to add new participants every year, and to welcome back many who have played for decades. Numerous sponsors have continued to donate yearly, and Suffield Rotary wishes to thank its special Eagle Level Sponsors: Windsor Federal, PeoplesBank, Jackson Ryan Construction Services and Shoreline AV, LLC.
Like so many before them this year’s participants had a great time while honoring Glenn and supporting our community. Proceeds from the tournament are used within our Suffield community. The money raised during the first 30 years of this event has allowed us to donate over $425,000 to enhance our community.
Pictured are Mark Sullivan’s team including Mark, one of the individuals who started the tournament (second from the right) and Robert Packard (second from the left).
It was a great day for all involved and planning will soon begin for next August’s 33rd annual tournament. Please join us in 2024!