The United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula proudly hosted the 19th Annual Sven Heikkinen Memorial Golf Tournament last week at Wild Bluff Golf Course in Brimley. With 15 teams participating and beautiful weather throughout the day, the tournament once again brought the community together to honor the legacy of Sven Heikkinen while supporting local families and individuals across the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
The Central Savings Bank team (Mark Savoie, James Parker, Nick Huyck, & Rich Hanna) captured the Men’s Division title, while Helen Newberry Joy Hospital (Mitchel Grigg, Mark Fischer, Nathan Neeb, & Stacy Burton) earned top honors in the Mixed Division.
Since 2007, the United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula and the Heikkinen family have partnered to continue Sven’s passion for community service through this annual event. Sven served as a dedicated United Way board member who believed strongly in investing in the communities where people live and work and in supporting those most vulnerable.
“This event is about much more than golf,” said Kaylynn Cairns, Executive Director of the United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula. “It is about continuing the legacy of service, compassion, and community impact. The support from our teams, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters allows us to continue connecting local residents with food resources, education, and critical community support throughout the EUP.”
During the event, Kinzey Heikkinen, Sven’s daughter, shared the importance of continuing to remember and talk about loved ones, so their impact and spirit continue to live on through others. Her remarks reflected the heart behind the tournament, and the lasting influence Sven continues to have on the community.
The United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula extends sincere appreciation to all sponsors and supporters who made the event possible.
Special thanks to Aumovio, formerly Continental, where Sven worked and which has supported the tournament since its very beginning as the Corporate Sponsor.
Additional sponsors included:
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Central Savings Bank
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Superior Insurance
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Soo Co-op Credit Union
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Nicolet National Bank
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Helen Newberry Joy Hospital
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CertaPro Painters of Northeast WI
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Clarity First Finance
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O’Connor’s of Pickford
The United Way also thanks Travis and Sarah Freeman of Sovereign Communications in Newberry for their in-kind sponsorship and continued support.
A special thank you is extended to Wild Bluff Golf Course for their continued partnership, organization, and support in helping make the tournament such a successful and enjoyable event year after year.
As the United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula celebrates its 70th year of service, events like the Sven Heikkinen Memorial Golf Tournament continue to play an important role in strengthening the community and supporting ALICE households and individuals living paycheck to paycheck across the region.
For more information about the United Way of the Eastern Upper Peninsula or ways to support its mission, visit www.unitedwayeup.org.