Corrections officers raise $13,500 for Make-A-Wish

Provided photo: Pictured from left include Kenny Gold, NYSCOPBA Western Region VP; a representative Donna from Make-A-Wish and Lori Mothershed, wife of Al Mothershed.

Press Release, NYS Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association

DARIEN – The 1st annual Al Mothershed Memorial Golf Tournament raised $12,500 for the Rochester chapter of Make-A-Wish with former staff at the Livingston Correctional Facility donating another $1,000.

The tournament, which had over 175 participants and volunteers, was held at Chestnut Hill Country Club on Friday, Aug. 19.

“I cannot say enough about the generosity of our brothers and sisters,” said Kenny Gold , NYSCOPBA Western Region Vice President. “Our members, who are enduring historic levels of violence inside the walls of our state prisons, short staffing, and mandatory overtime that limits the time they can spend with their families, still found time to support this great charity as well as the communities they live in.”

Participants enjoyed 18 holes of golf followed by a reception afterwards that honored Al Mothershed and his 30-plus years at DOCCS and NYSCOPBA.  Al served the Western Region NYSCOPBA members as a Chief Steward, Business Agent and Regional Vice President for many years.

Al died suddenly last year and NYSCOPBA members organized the golf tournament in his honor.   Al’s family was present at the tournament and chose Make-A-Wish as this year’s charity.

NYSCOPBA has a long standing relationship with Make-A-Wish and their chapters across New York State. During the past Christmas Holiday, NYSCOPBA was the title sponsor of the Capital Region Chapter of Make-A-Wish and their holiday fundraising drive. Over $200,000 was raised during the drive.

“Being able to help Make-A-Wish and their mission to grant wishes to children with life threatening illnesses while honoring the memory of Al is a testament to his love for children and the need to give back,” Gold said. “He was a great union leader and even better person and he is missed tremendously. I appreciate everyone who participated and volunteered and those former members of Livingston that helped raise additional funds in honor of Al.”

Former staff from the Livingston Correction Facility joined formed the tournament.