By: Sarah Steele

"Best day ever!" athlete Sydney Jones of Area 15 (Oakland County) said as she hugged her new friends goodbye at the Real Estate One's Screen Door Open ‘fore' Special Olympics Michigan Golf Outing on Tuesday, June 12.

Ashley, fellow Area 15 athlete, Jonathan Gerhls, and coach, Terri Mayfield, joined 144 golfers and Real Estate One (REO) staff and volunteers for a beautiful day of golf at Northville Hills Golf Course. Records were broken both on and off the course as one team achieved a score of 57 for the day. In it's eighth year, the Screen Door Open sold out in record timing, received more sponsorships than ever before and collected a record high donation of $25,500 for Special Olympics Michigan athletes.

"We're pleased to have so many members of the Real Estate One Family of Companies participate in our fundraising activities throughout the year," REO President of Financial Services, Stuart Elsea, said. "It is because of their commitment of time and resources that we are able to accomplish our goals for the charities we support." Last year Real Estate One raised a total of $95,000 from all of it's involvement with Special Olympics Michigan and is currently the Statewide Gold Medal Sponsor.

Jonathan and Ashley joined the 36 teams golfing at the 18th hole to putt together. In between teams the athletes had a great time showing off their dance moves, rap skills and jokes.

"Putting is going great!" Jonathon said with all smiles. At the end of the day Jonathan walked away with four putts in the 18th hole, working with all of the golfers to get their ball in as well.

Once the golfers returned from the course, dinner, presentations, auctions and raffles finished out the night. Real Estate One recognized Detroit Media Partnership as well as Grid 4 Communications for all of their assistance with the event. Jonathan showed off his medals and told the audience what Special Olympics Michigan truly meant to him.

"I play basketball, golf, softball, track and field and soccer," Jonathan said. "What Special Olympics Michigan means to everybody is to try your best, work hard, listen to your coaches and drink lots of water. Get plenty of rest, have teamwork, play your best and have a winning attitude."

To make a great day even better, the winner of the 50/50 raffle donated the more than $800 he won back to Special Olympics Michigan! A big thank you goes to Kevin Dunivin, Real Estate One and all of the other wonderful sponsors who helped make the Screen Door Open ‘fore' Special Olympics Michigan another great success!