MORRIS – Special Connections of Grundy County hosted its fourth annual golf outing Sept. 6 at Nettle Creek Country Club in Morris, and the community came out in full force to show their support.

Before the shotgun start began, Kurt Nolan of Nettle Creek Country Club and Jennifer Price of Special Connections, welcomed the more than 100 golfers, according to a news release from Special Connections. At this time, special recognition was given to Frank and Jen Varner of Ebbey George’s Bar and Grill, who donated all the proceeds from the Ebbey George’s Golf Outing this past summer to Special Connections. Along with the donation from their 2012 golf outing, the Varners have donated more than $14,000 to Special Connections.

While on the course, golfers found a group of children who set up a lemonade stand to raise money for Special Connections. This was the second year that TJ and Katie Rzasa and Emily and Bennett Ammer hosted their lemonade stand for the golf outing, donating all of their profits to Special Connections. This year’s donation was $600.

“We wouldn’t be where we are at today without the tremendous support and generosity of our community,” Kelly Thompson, executive director of Special Connections, said in the release.

In 2014, Special Connections has served more than 100 individuals with disabilities in six Special Olympics sports, monthly social outings, weekly dance and fitness classes, as well as a summer tennis camp.

The golf outing proceeds of $10,383 will support these programs and more.

“We’d like to give a special thanks to the golfers, Kurt Nolan and his staff at Nettle Creek Country Club, the volunteers and all of the sponsors who made this day possible,” Thompson said.