Par-TEE for a Great Cause!

Link Associates, local non-profit in West Des Moines serving individuals with intellectual disabilities, invites you on Saturday, August 25^th, to the most UNIQUE Par-TEE around! 

The Barley Par-TEE (www.barleypartee.com) is Link’s annual fundraising event.  The event combines a sampling of a large variety of micro brewed beers from Olde Main, Millstream, Twisted Vine, and Peace Tree, with an amusing twist on golf involving the use of tennis balls, golf clubs, and themed “holes” played on the pasturelands of Living History Farms called “Pasture Golf,” along with a tantalizing BBQ meal provided by the Iowa Barbeque Society AND live music.

Two of the most well-liked golf holes from past years will be available for guests (who missed the golf registration deadline) to try for the low, low price of $5 each.  Beer enthusiasts pay only $25 for a sampler mug to try the great selections.  BBQ lovers will enjoy a meal of pulled pork, beans, chips and drink for $8.  The live music is free for all to enjoy and is provided by local band The Eldorados.  For those dreaming of owning an iPad3 (16g, WiFi), here’s your chance to win one for as little as $10!  Raffle tickets are available in advance or at the event: 1 for $10, 3 for $25, or 10 for $75.

We are still seeking business sponsors (levels $250 - $1,000) and volunteers, especially to assist with tear down of the golf course at dusk.  Other volunteer opportunities are available as well.

The Par-TEE starts at 6:30pm and lasts until 11pm; plenty of time to enjoy beer, food, music, friends, and “golf.”  ALL proceeds from this event go directly to the Link Foundation, which helps us achieve our mission to “provide people with intellectual disabilities opportunities to achieve their personal goals.”

See our ad in the Business Record, “LIKE” us on Facebook and check out our Event page, “Follow” us on Twitter, and check out the Barley Par-TEE website for more information!  We look forward to seeing you Saturday, August 25^th!

Justin Bogers

Marketing Manager

Link Associates

jbogers@linkassociates.org

Why I Do What I Do

Most young professionals wouldn’t think to call a travel agent to book their vacations for them. It is so easy to just hop on the internet and book online nowadays that no one even thinks twice about it. People either don’t know what a travel agent can do for them or don’t know that travel agents still exist.

My senior year in high school I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life and it was time to fill out college applications. I researched and researched and stumbled upon a program at AIB College of Business called Travel and Tourism. I started looking at the class list and found that no accounting was required for the major. YES!!! I am good with numbers but not good with accounting. Travel and Tourism it is!

I started college and I actually enjoyed all of the classes that centered around the travel industry. I took classes on hotels, cruise lines, and geography. When it was time for my internship class I found a small home-based travel agency. I didn’t really know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. During the internship I learned how to find the best possible vacations for people while working around budgets and each person’s individual values. I was taught how to build a vacation from the ground up based on what each family or couple was interested in. After interning with this travel agency I knew I wanted to be a travel agent.

Five years ago I took this position with Travel and Transport Vacations. When someone contacts me about booking a vacation I get to know them as much as possible. I ask what their interests are and if they are active or relaxed people. I want to know what kind of food they like and what activities they enjoy. I build a value-based vacation for them that no website could ever compete with. Travel agents provide that personal touch that makes vacations even more memorable. We have strong relationships with vendors and suppliers and can provide clients with special amenities they can’t get anywhere else. The best part about working with our agency is that if you are booking a total vacation package, there is no fee to use us. We take all of your information and plan your vacation so that you don’t have to stress over it. You can be confident that all of your flights, transfers, and hotels are in order.

So, before you book your next vacation online, remember there are still travel agents out there who are dedicated to making your travel dreams come true!!

 Sarah Roach

Travel Consultant

sroach@tandt.com