Arsenal Partnership Golf Tournament raises $25,000 for Watervliet’s after-school programs

(Watervliet, NY) — The Arsenal Business & Technology Partnership will present a check for $25,000 to Watervliet City School District officials at halftime during the homecoming football game on Friday, October 10. 

The Arsenal Partnership is donating funds raised through its 3rd Annual Tom Hartnett Memorial Golf Outing at the Colonie Golf & Country Club in Voorheesville on Sept. 22 to the school district again this year to support extracurricular opportunities for Watervliet students. 

Thanks to the generosity of the event sponsors, businesses and golfers, the school district will be able to restore most all extracurricular programs for the more than 1,300 students who attend Watervliet schools. The district had eliminated all its after-school programming in recent years due to budget shortfalls created by the state’s Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA), decreased state aid and rising costs.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of the Arsenal Partnership,” said Dr. Lori Caplan, superintendent of schools. “We also extend our thanks to the event volunteers for their time and efforts as well as the many local businesses and community members who made substantial donations in support of programs that are essential to our students’ overall educational experience.”

Last year, the Arsenal Partnership donated $20,000 to the district to help reinstate several extracurricular programs that had been eliminated from the school budget, including Grades 4-6 Band, Art Club, Chess Club and Environmental Club at Watervliet Elementary School and Marching Band, Delta Force, Ski Club and the Buddy Program at Watervliet Jr.–Sr. High School. The tournament proceeds also helped fund late afternoon bus runs two days per week providing transportation for elementary students participating in after-school activities.

“The Arsenal Business & Technology Partnership is a committed community partner and understands the difficult financial situation the School District finds itself in," said Peter Gannon, President of the Arsenal Business & Technology Partnership. “I am proud that this annual tournament continues to grow and allows us to make a donation large enough to have a significant impact on the students of Watervliet.”