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Posted 9/26/2025

The Friends of Merakey AVS Golf Open was held on September 15 at Chartiers Country Club, where beautiful weather and generous supporters came together for a great cause. The day began with a moving sign language performance of America the Beautiful by Anna, Kregg, Olive, Wendy, and Laura from the Edward J. Zapp Center, followed by a great day on the course with 18 holes of golf.

Co-chairs Rick Mongiovi (Mongiovi and Son) and Dan Taylor (Dan Taylor Interiors, Inc.) were honored as our 2025 AVS CHAMPions for their ongoing dedication to the success of the event for many years. During the evening dinner program, emceed by Merakey Board Member Dorothy Pollon, the honorees were celebrated by friends, colleagues, and M/AVS Director of Facilities, John Police.

Thanks to our supporters, we raised nearly $127,000 for the Merakey AVS Capital Development Fund, which helps us maintain and enhance our programs, facilities, and services that empower individuals to achieve greater independence.

Congratulations to the following:

1st place
Jon Lodovico, Matt Borris, Jeff Fortuna, and Rob Klingensmith

2nd place
Randy McCrackin, Joe Rukas, Anthony Maruca, and Mike Okopal

3rd place
Travis Siembieda, Lee Fink, Donnie Moore, and Brian Tupper

Brian Ralicki - longest putt

Amy Reed - longest drive for ladies

Dan DelBianco – longest drive for men

Matt Boris - closest to the pin

John Previs – putting contest winner

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Many sponsors, underwriters, and donors helped to make the event a huge success! The full list of donors will be available on the M/AVS website. A special shout out to the following:

Platinum Sponsors:

  • Blackburn’s & Har-kel, Inc.
  • Guardian Protection
  • Life Tree Pharmacy
  • Mongiovi and Son
  • The Pollon Family
  • Dan Taylor Interiors, Inc

Gold Sponsor:

  • Kathy & Joe Martz

Silver Sponsors:

  • Champion Construction
  • Climatech, Inc.
  • PJ Dick
  • Pittsburgh Steelers

Underwriters:

  • CentiMark Corporation
  • The Graham Company and Mike Mitchell
  • The Health & Wealth Group, Inc.
  • Higher Information Group
  • Pacifico Marple Ford Fleet Leasing
  • W.B. Mason
  • Rohrich Cadillac
  • STAT Staffing Medical Services, Inc.
  • Derrick Yacovelli
Friends of Merakey AVS Golf Open (September 2025)