It is never easy to take a situation where disaster has struck and mold it into something positive. But in the small community of Randolph, NY that is exactly what has taken place after a most unfortunate accident robbed the small community of a bright, young girl in 2004.
Lindsey Pedacchio was a 2002 graduate of Randolph Central School. A hard working student and a smooth-shooting forward with a passion for basketball, Pedacchio was on summer vacation, about to enter her junior year at Slippery Rock University where she was majoring in Elementary Education, when a hiking accident at Zoar Valley tragically robbed her of her life, and in doing so deprived her family and the Randolph community of someone with endless potential.
“The day that she died, there must have been a hundred people who showed up to our house to offer condolences,” said Bill Pedacchio, Lindsey’s father. “The community really rallied behind us.”
Losing a child is not something any parent ever wants to endure. It takes a toll on any family, and with the Pedacchio family it was no different. Bill and his wife Mindy eventually separated. Their son, Tyson, was devastated over the loss of his sister. But despite the heartbreak, trials and tribulations, the family was able to come together and create a way to keep the memory of Lindsey alive. In doing so they also helped to better the Randolph community.
Bill, an avid golfer who grew up learning the game at Elkdale Country Club, works at Cardinal Hills Golf Course in Randolph where he was given permission to start an annual golf tournament in Lindsey’s name. Now in its 9th year, the Lindsey Pedacchio Memorial Scramble has helped raise money for the betterment of the Randolph community.
Lindsey played golf at Cardinal Hills in the Mike Benca Junior Golf Program. Tyson shared his father’s love of golf and went on to play at St. Bonaventure University. Together, with the help of Mindy, they now run an annual tournament where approximately 25 teams participate each year. As a result, the Pedacchios are able to offer four annual college scholarships of varying denominations to Randolph Central School graduates. The tournament has also allowed the Pedacchios to contribute to various charities in Lindsey’s name.
“We would really like to thank everyone who has donated money or prizes to this tournament over the years,” said Bill. “It’s very nice for the greater Randolph community to show such continued support throughout the years, and my ex-wife, my son, his wife Misty and their daughter Joy look forward to continuing this tradition with the support of Cardinal Hills.”
The Lindsey Joy Pedacchio Memorial Scramble will take place this summer on Saturday, July 12 at the Cardinal Hills Golf Course. There is a shotgun start at 9:30am and play usually lasts about four and a half hours. Following the fun on the greens, there will be plenty of food, a Chinese auction and an awards banquette at the clubhouse. This year, as they have done in years past, there will be a trip to play golf at Pine Hurst in North Carolina that will be auctioned off.
If you are interested in participating in the tournament or if you wish to contribute money or prizes to the tournament, please contact Cardinal Hills at 716-358-5409 and ask for Eric Brown. To learn more about Cardinal Hills, head to www.cardinalhillsny.com.
