Local bars help raise money for Autism Alliance nonprofit

By Chris Fortune

St. Joseph residents practiced their golf skills at local bars on Saturday.

Teams registered for the Putt Putt Pub Crawl, which raised funds for the Autism Alliance of Northwest Missouri, and the teams also competed in a costume contest.

Nine bars in St. Joseph participated in the event, and each had their own course. Teams went to each of the bars to complete all nine holes.

“It started with a friend of mine,” Big Shots owner Kim Bigham said. “Her grandson had autism, so we wanted to make it special for her and everybody else. And so we just continue to do that.”

Many who attended the annual event were inspired to come out and support the cause because of their friends.

“We’ve actually missed the last couple of years, so we had to pick it back up this year,” St. Joseph resident Tracy Steltenpohl said. “I have several friends who have children that are autistic, so it just holds the peace in my heart to do this and help for a good cause.”

Steltenpohl enjoyed seeing the community come out and have fun to support a good cause.

“Oh my gosh, it’s wonderful,” she said. “I love that, as a community, we all pitch in and do things, you know, volunteer, give our time and support to causes like this, and donate money. I think it’s just absolutely wonderful.”