Local businessman from Highland hosts 25th annual golf benefit for Camp Ondessonk

The 25th Annual Camp Ondessonk Golf Benefit on Sept. 12, hosted by Pete Korte, raised over $40,000.

Though this year was met with certain challenges due to COVID-19, Pete Korte, Cheetah Horstmann, and Camp Ondessonk staff forged ahead and hosted a tournament featuring 140 golfers and 85 sponsors. Thanks to the dedication of Korte and his family, friends, and colleagues, more than $750,000 has been raised in the past 25 years, resulting in thousands of camper scholarships.

Korte, chairman of Korte & Luitjohan Contractors Inc. in Highland, has been involved with Camp Ondessonk for decades and his personal motto is, “It’s all for the kids!”

His children and grandchildren attended Camp Ondessonk and served as counselors, and Korte and his employees have donated thousands of hours of their time, equipment, and construction expertise to build shower houses and a climbing wall, install water and electric lines, plus dozens of other building projects that have helped the camp keep tuition low for campers.

“Each year, I am truly amazed at the generosity and support displayed at our annual golf tournament hosted by Pete Korte, but the success of this year’s event, in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, is incredible,” said Dan King, Camp Ondessonk’s executive director. “Thanks to Pete and his family, Cheetah Horstmann, the employees at Korte & Luitjohan, and all the businesses, sponsors, volunteers, and golfers who have supported the campers of Camp Ondessonk, especially in these unprecedented times.”

The funds raised through the golf tournament will benefit Camp Ondessonk, and will be used to help sustain and enhance programs, to fund scholarships that allow children of all income levels to experience the caamp, and to fund new initiatives that fulfill the camp’s mission to provide outdoor and spiritual adventures empowering kids of all ages.

This story was originally published September 25, 2020 at 1:48 AM.