Save of the Day Foundation Raises exceeds goal, raises more than $100,000 at Golf Tournament to Support Utica and the Mohawk Valley

Jun 13, 2025

UTICA, NY — On Monday afternoon, a full tee sheet of golfers played a round for something much bigger than a number on a scorecard, or prizes at the end. The Rob Esche “Save of the Day” Foundation’s annual golf tournament was sold out and exceeded the goal of raising $100,000 — all of which will be reinvested directly into the local community across Utica and the Mohawk Valley.

 

Hosted at Stonebridge Golf Course, the event brought together community leaders, sponsors, Comets players, and supporters united by a common goal: to make a difference. With every swing, putt, and cheer, participants helped fuel the Foundation’s growing impact on children, veterans, families and others in need throughout Central New York.

 

Unlike many national foundations, every dollar raised by Save of the Day stays local — and this year’s tournament proved that generosity and grassroots giving go hand in hand. The $100,000+ raised will help fund a wide range of Foundation initiatives, including:

 

         • Supporting Children and Families Dealing with Life Threatening Illnesses – one of the main pillars of the foundation has been to support those who need it most not just financially, but on a personal level

         • The Adaptive Edge Skating School – a therapeutic skating program that gives children with cognitive and physical challenges a chance to grow in confidence and coordination.

         • Adopt-a-Family Program – providing holiday gifts, essentials, and joy to local families in need.

         • Thanksgiving Turkey Drive – distributing 250 complete holiday meals annually to households through the rescue mission of Utica.

         • Veteran and First Responder Support – including honor-focused events and vital donation drives.

         • Year-Round Community Drives – from winter coats to school supplies, pet food to hygiene products, Save of the Day is always responding to real needs in real time.

 

“Our goal is simple: to make a tangible, positive difference in the lives of people right here in our own backyard,” said Robert Esche, Chairman of the Save of the Day Foundation. “This tournament isn’t just about golf. It’s about the generosity of some amazing friends that have been with us since the start. This foundation started on the back of a napkin, and has grown to inject more than $3 Million into our local community”

 

The Save of the Day Foundation is committed to making a meaningful impact in our local community by supporting children with life-threatening illnesses, developing initiatives for veterans and law enforcement, and creating educational experiences about health and wellness for youth through direct outreach, donations, and volunteer efforts.

 

Thanks to the success of this year’s golf tournament, the Foundation is better equipped than ever to meet the evolving needs of the region it proudly serves.

 

For more on how to support the Foundation, nominate a family in need, or get involved, visit SaveOfTheDay.org.