Submitted by Kathleen Hennessy
(September 23, 2026) — The Pieper Olson Foundation is inviting golfers, businesses and community supporters to Play with Purpose at its 2026 Golf Classic, taking place Monday, October 26, 2026 at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, home of the PGA TOUR’s Travelers Championship. Connecticut singer-songwriter Javier Colon, winner of the inaugural season of NBC’s The Voice, will join the event as celebrity golfer.
Presented by RiverLane, the Golf Classic will bring supporters together for a memorable day of golf while raising funds for the Foundation’s work helping families facing the difficult reality of a pet in medical crisis when the cost of care is beyond their reach.
“Events like the Golf Classic give people a chance to enjoy an extraordinary experience while doing something that has a very real impact for families,” said Kathy Hennessy, Executive Director of the Pieper Olson Foundation. “Every golfer, sponsor and supporter helps us provide more grants and keep more families and their pets together.”
The event will offer golfers the opportunity to experience one of Connecticut’s premier courses while supporting a mission rooted in the bond between people and their animals. The day will include golf, food and refreshments, contests, prizes and opportunities for participants to connect with the Foundation and learn more about the families its grants support.
Adding to the day’s excitement, Connecticut singer-songwriter Javier Colon, winner of the inaugural season of NBC’s The Voice, will join the Golf Classic as the event’s celebrity golfer. Colon will take to the course alongside participants at TPC River Highlands, bringing an added element of fun to a day centered on raising funds for families and their pets.
RiverLane is serving as Presenting Sponsor of the inaugural event, providing leadership support as the Foundation continues to grow its fundraising efforts and expand the number of families it can assist.
“At The RiverLane, we believe that compassion creates stronger communities,” said Robin Zubretsky, Owner of RiverLane. “Pets are family. They offer unconditional love, comfort, and companionship through every season of life, and they deserve every opportunity to receive the care they need. Supporting the Pieper Olson Foundation, which helps keep families and their pets together is something we’re proud to stand behind.”
The Pieper Olson Foundation provides financial grants to help bridge the gap when families are struggling with the cost of urgent veterinary treatment. Since renewing its focus on direct financial assistance, the Foundation has helped dozens of families move forward with care for beloved pets during some of their most difficult moments.
Registration and sponsorship opportunities for the Golf Classic are now available. Golfers may register individually or as a foursome, and businesses and individuals can participate through a range of sponsorship opportunities. “Golf may be what brings everyone together that day, but you don’t have to play golf to be part of what we’re building,” Hennessy said. “There are many ways to contribute — as a sponsor, volunteer, donor, advocate, or simply by introducing someone new to our work. Everyone has something to offer.”
Proceeds from the Golf Classic will directly support the Pieper Olson Foundation’s grantmaking program. For information about the 2026 Pieper Olson Foundation Golf Classic, registration or sponsorship opportunities, visit pieperolsonfoundation.pet.
