Dennis DiPonio was first introduced to The Arc NW when he was young, and his family sought services for his brother Duane who has Down syndrome. His family was always connected with The Arc after that, but it wasn’t until Dennis was older that he and his wife Chris personally got involved.

A few volunteers started the Arc NW Golf Outing, a small and fun event. Then it was transitioned to Dennis and Chris about twenty years ago, and they turned it into a profitable fundraiser for The Arc NW.

They manage the planning from start to finish with several other dedicated committee volunteers and family members: their daughter, Jenna DiPonio; Dennis’s sister, Marianne Licari; and Dennis’s brother, Dan DiPonio. They run the outing day with another twenty to thirty volunteers including Janice Bearden, another Hall of Fame Volunteer.

Historically, this outing has happened every May without fail no matter the weather – rain, sun, overcast, thunderstorms, and even snow – and is full with 130 to 140 golfers. It has now been moved to August in the hopes for consistently better weather, and is one of the Arc NW’s most profitable fundraisers each year.

Chris shared why she and Dennis give their time to The Arc NW, “The cause is worthy because it directly impacts people’s lives. The people that work there are easy to work with, and they care deeply about their jobs and the people they serve. Everyone there is dedicated.”

We are grateful Dennis and Chris DiPonio are dedicated to the mission of The Arc NW. Thank you!