Over 130 people filled the greens at Edgewood Country Club on Monday, September 21st for the fourth annual “Golfers Give Back” charitable Golf Outing benefiting the Care Plus Foundation, Inc. (“Care Plus NJ Foundation”).
This outing is held annually as a fun way to connect groups and individuals that support the work of Care Plus NJ, Inc. (“Care Plus NJ”), a nonprofit community-based Behavioral Health care agency. With the support of the Care Plus NJ Foundation, the organization is able to provide programs and services to individuals with severe mental illness, as well as spread awareness and promote public education on Behavioral Health.
At the start of the event, golfers were welcomed at the gates where they were given goodie bags and hats courtesy of event sponsors. Guests were also gifted large golf umbrellas featuring the Care Plus NJ logo, courtesy of Care Plus NJ board Chairman Bill Weiss and his wife Leslie.
“Many people told us that the umbrellas were the nicest gift they had ever received at anouting,” remarked Joe Masciandaro, CEO at Care Plus NJ. “We had the perfect weather for the event, and we joked that it must have been because of the generous donation from the Weiss family.”
There were a number of community partners that supported and sponsored the event. Accredited Lock & Door Hardware Co. served as the event’s Platinum Sponsor, and Columbia Bank, The Fatigati Family, Inserra Supermarkets and Roy W. Walters & Associates supported as Gold Sponsors.
Three organizations also supported the outing by sponsoring hole-in-one prizes. John Johnson Dodge and Union Buick GMC each offered a car, and Wheels Up offered 5 hours of flight time on a private jet.
“There is a lot of work that goes into planning these events, and we tend to have so much fun that we forget that,” continued Masciandaro. “We owe a lot of thanks to the Care Plus NJ staff, board members and volunteers on the Golf Committee that created such a successful day.”
Care Plus NJ would also like to express gratitude to a number of other sponsors that made the event possible including the breakfast, lunch, refreshment stands, cocktail party, putting green, driving range, straightest drive contest, and various hole sponsors.
The day out on the course was followed by a night of celebration inside of the country club. Awards were given to the first and second place foursomes, as well as to individuals with the longest and straightest drives. During dinner, guests were invited to participate in the Silent Auction and 50/50 raffle, which were also available throughout the day.
“We were very fortunate to have the 50/50 winner graciously donate his winnings back to the Care Plus NJ Foundation,” concluded Masciandaro. “That’s really what these events are all about: creating community, having a good time, and giving back to those in need.”
By the end of the event, nearly $85,000 was raised which will go directly into serving the clients of Care Plus NJ by providing shelter, medication, and services that many individuals and families might not be able to afford otherwise.
The organization is already looking to build relationships and connect with sponsors for future events, including the 18th Annual Courage Awards Gala, scheduled for June 2016 at the Venetian in Garfield.
Any requests for sponsorship or questions about future events should be directed to the Care Plus NJ Foundation office at 201-986-5070.
