Golden Kielbasa Veterans Open to Return to Tunxis Plantation on October 8

New Britain, Conn., June 29, 2021 – The Golden Kielbasa Veterans Open, the state’s largest veterans charity golf event which in its first 10 years raised more than $140,000 for Connecticut veterans causes, will return to Tunxis Plantation Country Club in Farmington on Friday, October 8 with the support of a new Presenting Sponsor, Liberty Bank.

The Disabled American Veterans, Hardware City Chapter 8 event has been sidelined for the past two years due in part to COVID-19, and its welcome return is good news not only for the hundreds of golfers who have loyally supported the event over the years, but for the many veterans who benefit from the causes the event supports.

“It has been a long two years and to say we are very excited to not only bring this event back, but to do so with the support of a generous Presenting Sponsor, Liberty Bank, is an understatement,” said Tournament Founder and Director Dennis Buden. “This is a beloved event that not only raises important dollars for veterans causes but as our supporters know takes particular pride in honoring all those who served. We can’t wait for tee time.”

“Liberty Bank is excited to partner with the Disabled American Veterans, Hardware City Chapter 8 for the benefit of Connecticut veterans,” said Liberty Bank President and CEO David Glidden. “Supporting those who served and sacrificed for our nation is just one of the many ways Liberty gives back locally as we fulfill our mission to improve the lives of our customers, teammates and communities for generations to come. We could not be more proud to support this worthy cause and look forward to being a part of this wonderful event.”

Founded in 2009, the Golden Kielbasa Veterans Open has supported a wide variety of veterans causes over the years. DAV Hardware City Chapter 8 of New Britain has hosted the event since 2013. The last event in 2018 saw more than 200 golfers help raise $26,000 for the DAV and its chosen causes.

The 2021 event will support DAV Hardware City Chapter 8 and House of Heroes Connecticut, which provides one-day, no-cost home improvements for Connecticut military and public safety veterans and their surviving spouses.

An annual highlight of the Golden Kielbasa Veterans Open is its post-golf dinner, an event unto itself which traditionally honors a local veteran or veterans of note. Among those honored in past years were New Britain’s Connie Nappier, a member of the Tuskegee Airmen; Bristol’s Ed Riccio, a Pearl Harbor survivor; and three decorated New Britain survivors of World War II’s Battle of Iwo Jima, Ray Greene, Stan Dabrowski and Joe Roman. All of these honorees have since passed.

The 2021 honoree or honorees will be announced later this summer.

A wide variety of sponsorship packages will be made available for local companies and organizations wishing to support the cause. Online registration for both foursomes and individual golfers will be available beginning in July at www.davchapter8.org/goldenkielbasa. The fee will be $150 per player, which includes range, greens fees, cart, premium gift bag, lunch and beverages on the course, prizes and post-golf dinner and raffle. The shotgun start will be at 11 a.m. Dinner-only registration will be available as well with details to be announced.

For further information about the Golden Kielbasa Veterans Open, to reserve your foursome in advance, to sponsor the event or for general  questions, please contact Tournament Director Dennis Buden at dennis.buden@davchapter8.org or 860-558-0514, or visit www.davchapter8.org/goldenkielbasa.

About DAV Hardware City Chapter 8

 Hardware City Chapter 8 is one of 19 Connecticut chapters of the one million-member strong Disabled American Veterans (DAV). DAV Chapter 8 supports all state and national DAV programs and initiatives at the local level, and its officers and members are active in the local New Britain-area and Connecticut veterans community assisting veterans in need, advocating for veterans rights, representing Connecticut veterans at state and national events, raising funds for veterans programs, and volunteering countless hours at bingos, fundraisers, the VA hospital and more. Like its state and national governing organizations, Chapter 8 has one overriding mission: To empower veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity.

About Liberty Bank

Established in 1825, Liberty Bank is Connecticut’s largest mutual bank with more than $7 billion in assets and 62 banking offices across Connecticut. As a full-service financial institution, Liberty offers consumer and commercial banking, cash management, home mortgages, business loans, insurance and investment services. Named a ‘Top Workplace’ for nine consecutive years, Liberty maintains a longstanding commitment to superior personal service and unparalleled community involvement.