Skills of Central PA to Host 21st Annual Pat Houser Golf Tournament

Skills of Central PA and the Skills Foundation are set to host the 21st annual E.F. “Pat” Houser Golf Tournament on Aug. 24, with proceeds supporting programs and services for people with intellectual disabilities and behavioral health needs across Central Pennsylvania. 

The tournament, held at Toftrees Resort, will begin with a 10 a.m. shotgun start and use a shamble format. Golfers also will compete in contests including longest drive, longest putt and closest to the pin. 

Money raised will go to the Skills Foundation, which funds programs, adaptive equipment, technology and other needs for people supported by Skills of Central PA. 

The tournament honors E.F. “Pat” Houser, a Bellefonte businessman who worked in the vending and real estate industries. Houser, who lived from 1922 to 1987, was one of the founding members of the Skills Board of Directors and supported local charitable and civic organizations. 

“This tournament is more than a day on the course—it’s a chance for our community to come together and invest in opportunities that change lives,” President and CEO of Skills of Central PA Val Barner said. “We are grateful for the continued support of our golfers, sponsors and partners who help Skills build stronger communities across Central Pennsylvania.” 

Skills of Central PA, a nonprofit health and human services organization, has provided intellectual disability and behavioral health services across 17 counties for more than 60 years.

Past tournaments have raised tens of thousands of dollars each year, helping fund specialized equipment, new programs, adaptive technology and emergency assistance. Organizers said this year’s tournament has secured the largest donations in the event’s history, with sponsors and golfers already committed to the event. 

Registration costs $150 per golfer and supports Skills of Central PA’s work. Golfers can register in teams of four with friends, family, coworkers or clients. Individual golfers also can sign up and will be paired with other participants to form a foursome. 

Those interested in participating can reserve a spot through the golfer registration section of the tournament’s online registration form.