Photos by Jay Perry for Jefe Media.
New Community hosted its 27th Golfing for a Cause fundraiser on Sept. 23 to benefit its Youth Services Department and the Monsignor Linder Scholarship Fund. Supporters gathered at Cedar Hill Golf and Country Club in Livingston for 18 holes of golf and networking, along with an evening reception that included cocktail hour, dinner and raffle prizes.
New Community Interim Board Chairman Edgar Nemorin thanked all the participants, sponsors and donors for coming to and supporting the event. He talked about how New Community’s founder, the late Monsignor William J. Linder, regarded stewardship in high regard.
“Stewardship is sacrificing your time, talent and treasure for a common good. Thank you to all of you today for being good stewards to New Community Corporation,” Nemorin said. “We are truly blessed and honored for the support that we continue to receive.”
New Community CEO Simone Gagneron said the presence of supporters, community leaders and friends made the event special and the organization’s work possible.
“NCC was founded on the belief that communities are stronger when we lift each other up. From affordable housing projects that give families a stable foundation to our education programs that equip individuals with the skills they need to thrive, we are making a difference every day,” she said. “Your support allows us to continue making an impact in our community.”
During the program portion of the evening, New Community presented Dr. A. Zachary Yamba with a special recognition. Yamba retired from the NCC Board of Directors in December after serving for 11 years, five of which he served as chairman. He received a proclamation from the city of Newark and one from the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, highlighting his years of service to New Community and the community at large. He was also gifted a round of golf with three guests.
“Dr. Yamba’s accomplishments and impact to the community, nonprofits and educational landscape have been extraordinary,” Nemorin said. “He has been a leader, advocate, mentor and a friend to this organization for many, many, many years.”
Yamba said he was honored to accept the recognition and said that he continues to believe in the vision Monsignor Linder had for New Community.
“That vision has endured since the riots in 1967 in Newark,” Yamba said. “Those needs continue today, perhaps even more so than back in 1967.”
Retired New Community CEO Richard Rohrman served as the evening’s emcee. Although he’s been retired for three years, he continues to remain connected with the organization.
“I’ve seen all of the good work that New Community has done and continues to do under Simone’s leadership,” he said. “I’m just really thrilled to be up here and have the opportunity to do this and stay connected to New Community.”
Gagneron highlighted a number of initiatives at New Community, including plans for The Morris, a 120-unit building for families in Newark’s Central Ward that will be fully Section 8 affordable housing, as well as eight affordable two-family homes, which NCC expects to break ground on in November. She also talked about plans for New Community Career & Technical Institute (NCCTI) to offer green certifications to students starting in 2025.
Bill Passarotti, Senior Vice President of HUB International, spoke on behalf of the company which was one of the Platinum Sponsors of the event.
“At HUB we’re proud to stand alongside NCC and all the work that they do enriching the lives of the people of Newark, N.J.,” Passarotti said. “HUB International is not just a sponsor today but we are a partner dedicated to your success. Our commitment is to be a resource for NCC providing solutions that you can continue to make a difference in the community.”
Proceeds from Golfing for a Cause benefit New Community’s Youth Services Department and the Monsignor Linder Scholarship Fund. Desiree Crespo, a recipient of the Monsignor Linder Scholarship for her daughter, Mia, addressed the group at the event to share what the scholarship meant for her family. Crespo had to work multiple jobs to be able to afford tuition at her daughter’s Christian school. The pair would complete Uber Eats orders after work and school to help offset the cost.
“Just to know that I was able to not pay tuition for an entire year because of the scholarship that New Community gave to me was great,” Crespo said. “My daughter and I were able to enjoy time outside of our car and in our home. I just want to say thank you to New Community.”
During the evening reception, prizes were given out to golfers. The first place team was comprised of Michael Birch, Sal Caldarone, Douglas Eisenberg and Jeremy Garlock. Sebastian Troncoso won the men’s longest drive contest, Sarah Higgins won the women’s longest drive contest and Shane Brooks won closest to the pin. A variety of attendees also won raffle prizes.
New Community congratulates all of the winners and thanks all sponsors, participants and donors for making the 27th Golfing for a Cause successful. NCC asks everyone to save the date for the 28th Golfing for a Cause, which will be held on Sept. 29, 2025.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors:
HUB International
Philadelphia Insurance
Withum
Silver Sponsors:
Cali Carting Inc.
Cintas
Ferry Carpets
Goldman Sachs
Iron Works
Schenck Price
Silva’s Mechanical Services
Western Pest Services
Cart Sponsors:
PSE&G
Robert Half Talent Solutions
USI Insurance Services
Beverage Sponsor:
SMN Tax Services
