New Country, Area Businesses Support CRIS Radio's Golf Classic

New Country Motor Cars of Hartford, title sponsor of the 21st Annual CRIS Radio Golf Classic for the fourth consecutive year, was recently joined by several area businesses to help raise a record $30,000 for the nonprofit radio-reading service for people who are blind or unable to read due to other print disabilities.

Since 2015, New Country Motor Cars has helped raise approximately $100,000 for the 40-year-old nonprofit radio station that broadcasts 24/7 audio versions of articles published in more than 50 newspapers and magazines. CRIS also produces audio versions of classroom print materials for students with special needs, Spanish-language publications, historical archived documents, and audible museum exhibits, all featuring human narration that is recorded by more than 200 CRIS volunteers

The golf tournament, held at Tunxis Golf Plantation in Farmington, attracted more than 90 golfers, including John Casolo, a member of the U.S. Blind Golf Association.

Tim Parker, vice president of New Country Motor Car Group in Hartford, thanked those participating in the tournament and the many businesses for their support of CRIS Radio. Parker promised to return as the event’s title sponsor again in 2019, stating, “CRIS Radio is an important charity that needs our support because it provides a unique service for people who are blind and students with disabilities.”

Paul A. Young, chairman of CRIS Radio’s Board of Directors, credits Parker for substantially increasing the number of sponsors and golfers since New Country Motor Cars became the event’s title sponsor.

“We also thank Scot Haney, WFSB meteorologist who serves as CRIS Radio’s emcee and also who serves as co-auctioneer with his WFSB colleague Eric Parker (no relation to Tim Parker), for introducing Tim to CRIS Radio. Together, they have helped make our golf tournament a big success,” Young said.

CRIS Radio (Connecticut Radio Information System) is based in Windsor, and operates five satellite studios statewide. CRIS makes its service available to more than 85,000 people.

Winning the tournament with a score of 13 under par is CE Floyd Company’s foursome -- Heather Mezza, Chris Booth, Chuck Tobin and Seth Falco. CE Floyd Company, a building contractor in Middletown, was also a sponsor.

About New Country Motor Car Group
New Country Motor Car Group has several locations in the Hartford, CT area; New Country Motor Cars representing Mercedes-Benz /smart / Sprinter, and New Country BMW-MINI. The organization prides itself on world-class knowledge and impeccable service. New Country Motor Car Group has dealerships representing 16 brands in Connecticut, New York and Florida. Visit www.newcountry.com for more information.

About CRIS Radio
Headquartered in Windsor, CRIS Radio provides audio versions of newspapers and magazines, other print information such as store sales flyers, and classroom print materials for children and adults who are blind or print-challenged due to visual, learning, physical, emotional, or intellectually disabilities. Thanks to more than 200 volunteers, all CRIS recordings feature human narration. Visit www.crisradio.org for more information.

PHOTO: Tim Parker, Vice President of New Country Motor Car Group in Hartford and title sponsor of the 21st Annual CRIS Radio Golf Classic; the event’s emcee Scot Haney, WFSB TV meteorologist and co-host of Better Connecticut; assistant auctioneer for the event, Eric Parker, news anchor for WFSB TV; and Fiona Angus, golfed in CRIS Radio's 21st Annual Golf Classic held at Tunxis Plantation in Farmington. [Photo Courtesy of Steve Laschever]