(Chelsea Update would like to thank Julie Frost for the information and photo in this story. And, Patty McCarthy’s partner’s name is Frank and this has been corrected in the story.)
The Faith in Action Board of Directors has named Patty McCarthy as its Howard S. Holmes Humanitarian of the Year.
As someone who exemplifies the spirit of FIA, McCarthy is known by everyone as a person who works for the benefit of both Chelsea and Dexter, while never losing sight of anyone who might need a helping hand.
She is an owner and manager of Reddeman Farms, the golf course on Dancer Road where any organization that has ever asked for a donation to their fundraiser has found a friend in her.
McCarthy will be recognized at the Faith in Action Annual Benefit Banquet on Saturday, April 26 at Chelsea Community Hospital dining room. For more information and to make a reservation, call 475-3305 or 426-7002.
“She’ll never say ‘no’ to anybody,” said Lori Bechler, now in her 20th season of working with McCarthy at Reddeman Farms. “She knows her business, but she treats everyone like family.”
McCarthy is quick to defer to her partner, Frank, and the entire team at Reddeman Farms as the ones who make everything happen in developing the welcoming and generous spirit at the golf course.
“This (Reddeman Farms) is the closest place to heaven that I know and I want to share it,” she says. Everyone becomes a part of her family and everyone is part of the team.
But more than simple friendliness, McCarthy has hosted numerous community events for charitable causes, among them the fundraiser for Chelsea’s Fallen Heroes – Riley Scott Sumner and Matthew Tuttle, and a benefit that helped a local family raise funds they needed to cover their child’s autism treatments.
She is quick to lend a helping hand, golf time or golf cart for community events.
McCarthy has also been a key person in the life of many of the community’s young people who have landed their first job at the golf course. They have learned a good work ethic and experienced the joy of having a first job where they are treated like family.
She credits her positive attitude, spirit and faith to her parents and family, her best friends, Joanne and Sister Beverly.
She commented that her philosophy is to “treat others the way you would like to be treated and make sure everyone is happy.”
McCarthy is a long-time Detroit Tiger fan and loves dogs.
Her kindness, generosity and fairness to both friend and stranger is legendary in the community.
