The optics industry’s “can’t miss” event of the summer reached a new milestone as OptiPro Systems organized the WNY Optics Golf Tournament. The 24th annual event, held at Victor Hills Golf Club, drew a record participation of 340 golfers and several dozen sponsors from around the country. AmeriCOM was proud to join several industry partners as an individual hole sponsor.

Just like the optics industry itself, the event has grown dramatically over the last several years. The tournament was founded in 2000 by Ron and Diane Schulmerich whose daughter Amanda’s life was twice saved by staff at Golisano Children’s Hospital. Amanda was born premature in 1984 and spent her first 8 weeks in the neonatal center. Then in 1995, she was diagnosed and successfully treated for a rare form of bone cancer.

The support Ron received throughout the optics industry he worked in gave him the idea to organize a golf tournament in support of the hospital. The tournament has raised nearly $455,000 since its inception, and helped support purchases such as Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) equipment that uses optical imaging to help provide life-saving treatment.

(Left) Golfers take their chances to win donated prizes. (Right) The Optimax “Divit Divas” get ready to play.

In addition to raising money for a great cause, the event allows industry leaders to come together and network outside of the traditional lab or conference setting. Many of the golfers and sponsors are competitors in the optics industry, yet have established long-standing friendships within the golf group that come together for this annual event.

(Left to right) Mike Pomerantz and Justin Kennedy from Monroe Community College, and Peggy Trabert and Donna Smith from AmeriCOM, teed off from the AmeriCOM sponsored hole.