2 0 0 7 - 0 8 W G A P A R C L U B - Evans Scholars Foundation

WGA PAR CLUB
“My aunt wanted to
do something in his
memory. Education
is very important to
her as it was to Al, so
the idea of funding
college scholarships
for caddies seemed
to be an appropriate
memorial.”
Max Steinkopf
20
Ways to Give
When Alfred W. Salamone died in the spring
of 2007, his friend and companion Maxine
Ellend wanted to establish a lasting tribute
to him and his early introduction to the game
of golf as a caddie. Her quest to find the proper
memorial succeeded when her attorney and the
PGA of America directed her to the Evans Scholars
Foundation.
“Al came up through the ranks in golf,” explained
Mrs. Ellend’s nephew, Max Steinkopf.
“He caddied when he was younger
and enjoyed a successful career as a
golf professional. My aunt wanted
to do something in his memory.
Education is very important to her
as it was to Al, so the idea of funding
college scholarships for caddies
seemed to be an appropriate memorial.
“We looked at a few other
scholarship programs but decided
the Evans Scholars Program would
be the best way to honor Al,”
Steinkopf explained. “I contacted a
couple of students who are Evans Scholars and
was very impressed with them. We also liked the
stewardship of the program. The Evans Scholars
are not just given the money and forgotten. They
learn to live and work together.”
Mrs. Ellend decided to endow four named
scholarships through the Evans Scholars Foundation,
two in Mr. Salamone’s name, one in her
name and one in both of their names.
“I think this is a generous and fitting tribute
and testament to both people,” said Steinkopf.
“My aunt has supported other educational schol-
www.westerngolfassociation.com
Endowed Scholarships Honor Al Salamone
Alfred W. Salamone
Robert T. Rolfs, a long-time Western Golf Association
director and generous supporter of
the Evans Scholars Program, died at his home in
Scottsdale, Arizona, on February 18, 2008.
Mr. Rolfs was born in Milwaukee and served in
the U.S. Navy in World War II. After his service,
he attended the University of Notre Dame and
earned his degree in business administration in
1950. He also played on the school’s golf team.
He spent his business career at the Amity
Leather Products Co., founded by his father.
arships through the years. She’s very adamant
that young people should be given an opportunity
to succeed, to grow through education.”
Mrs. Ellend grew up in Canada and graduated
from the University of Manitoba. She lived
in New Jersey for a number of years before moving
to Florida in the late 1960s after her husband
passed away. In Florida, she met and grew close
to Mr. Salamone.
Salamone grew up in Westchester County
and lived in Harrison, New York.
A life member of the Metropolitan
Section PGA, he was a club professional
at Ridgeway Country Club,
Pehquenakonk Country Club and
Glen Hollow Country Club. Before
starting his career in golf, he served
in five theaters of war as a U.S. Army
Captain, earning a Purple Heart and
leading his unit in the D-Day landing
in France during World War II.
“Mrs. Ellend’s generosity will
honor Mr. Salamone’s service to
golf and his country,” noted Jerry
Dudek, Director of Development for the Western
Golf Association/Evans Scholars Foundation.
“The four endowed named scholarships will
directly impact the lives of deserving caddies by
giving them the educational and life experiences
they will receive as Evans Scholars. We truly are
grateful for this special contribution.”
The scholarships will be listed as: The Alfred
W. Salamone Westchester Scholarship, the Alfred
W. Salamone Scholarship, the Maxine S. Ellend
Scholarship and the Maxine S. Ellend and Alfred
W. Salamone Scholarship.
In Memoriam
Robert T. Rolfs: WGA Director, Evans Scholars Supporter
Mr. Rolfs and his brother expanded the business,
and it became a leading manufacturer of personal
leather goods. He was named president and
CEO in 1975 and continued that role until he
retired in 1992. He married Marilyn Masley in
1950 and they had five sons.
Rolfs, who was involved in many charitable
and civic organizations, was a member of West
Bend Country Club in Wisconsin, and of Desert
Highlands Golf Club and The Estancia Club in
Arizona.