Pat Cody looked at Bob Klas and said: “You’re out of your mind.”
The two men were partners in Tapemark Company and Klas was thinking about starting a charity golf tournament to benefit organizations helping those with developmental and learning disabilities. The year was 1972 and after Cody threw out his response, including an expletive or two, the two friends started the Tapemark Charity Pro-Am.
The inspiration for the tournament was Frances Klas, born in 1951 and mentally retarded. Her dad and mom, Bob and Sandy Klas, learned about organizations available to help children like Frances, and they wanted to help.
And help they did! Next month will be the 40th Tapemark and the tournament has raised millions for local charities benefitting the developmental and learning disabled. Along with a women’s golf tournament and charitable gambling efforts approved by Klas, about $6.7 million has been generated since 1972 to help those charities.
“We have a chance this year to get to $7 million,” said Bob Klas Jr. “It would be special to make that total on the 40th year.”
He and his dad remain active with the tournament and continue to be inspired by Frances who passed away in June of 2009. “I have very fond memories of Frances,” her father said. “She tried very hard and did a great deal with her limited capabilities. She was always happy and we miss her very much.”
Frances, who had five siblings including Bob Jr., was married and for 25 years worked in a Hastings hospital. She proudly wore a button that said: “I am a U.S. taxpayer.” Each year she would attend the Tapemark tournament and greet spectators and golfers.