NCC Marks 20 Years Of Golfing For A Cause
Committed business partners and friends of New Community turned out for a delightful afternoon of golf during the nonprofit’s major annual fundraising event that supports services for homeless families and raises money for scholarships.
Hosted at the Montclair Golf Club in West Orange, NCC’s 20th Annual Golf Classic drew supporters to play golf, hear testimonials from Harmony House residents and raise money for NCC programs through a silent auction.
Proceeds from the event, dubbed “Golfing For A Cause,” benefit Harmony House, New Community’s transitional living facility for homeless families, and the Monsignor William J. Linder Scholarship Fund, which provides financial support to needy students attending academically rigorous prep schools in northern New Jersey and beyond.
Golfers hit the green for four hours and then attended an evening reception, which included cocktail hour, dinner, silent auction, and testimonials by Harmony House residents like Jasmina Bosnjakovic, a mother of four.
Homelessness is caused by “downfall, loss and ultimately results in hopelessness,” she said stand¬ing with a microphone in the clubhouse dining room filled with golfers.
Previously, Bosnjakovic, 27, had a good job and drove a fancy car, but through a series of events she and her family ended up with no place to go.
They turned to Harmony House. She credits Harmony House and its staff with restoring her sense of hope. Angel Ruedas, 13, and Shianne Dodson, 16, also shared personal stories of NCC’s impact on their lives.
Richard Rohrman, NCC CEO, said he con¬siders the evening reception the highlight of the daylong event. He noted that NCC works closely with many of the groups represented at the Golf Classic.
“This is an opportunity to celebrate our supporters who we partner with year round,” Rohrman said.
“I like what New Community does,” said par¬ticipant Tony Lolo of Ferry Carpet, who has sup¬ported NCC for more than 15 years. “New Com¬munity helps people—I believe in that and I see it through the years.” Lolo’s foursome also took first place for lowest overall score.
Despite light rain during the first half of the day, golfers roundly praised the event, which was music to the ears of Philanthropy Officer Tracey Battles, who organized the outing, along with John Nolan, Director of Philanthropy.
“I’m happy every golfer that came off the course had a good time,” Battles said.
