President's Message
On behalf of the New Jersey Golf Foundation, I hope everyone is staying safe.
As golf facilities re-open across the state and country, business operations have adapted to ensure golfers of all levels can enjoy the game in a safe and responsible way.
Adhering to physical and social distancing guidelines - established by the CDC, state and federal health departments - is the new reality, and we all must do our part, as the health and safety of family, friends and members of our communities are the top priority.
While our core golf programming for youth, military and individuals with special needs has taken a break due to COVID-19, the NJGF remains committed to positively impacting lives and communities through the game of golf, and our programs will return, when the time is right.
I’m excited to announce that the 2020 NJGF Golf Classic (August 10th at Baltusrol GC) will honor the heroic efforts of healthcare workers and first responders from RWJBarnabas Health. It’s a privilege to recognize the selfless heroes who have been on the frontlines battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you are looking to get involved please contact the NJGF’s Executive Director, Chris Hunt at chunt@pgahq.com or (732) 465-1212.
Dan Pasternak, NJGF President
NJGF Golf Classic - August 10th at Baltusrol Golf Club
The NJGF Golf Classic is the signature fundraising event on the New Jersey Golf Foundation’s annual calendar.
Each year, the Chairman’s Award is given annually to an individual who works tirelessly behind the scenes to support programs and initiatives for youth, military and individuals with special needs. As the global pandemic has wreaked havoc in communities across the country, and with many NJGF programs frozen, the NJGF Golf Classic committee feels strongly that the 2020 event should support community relief efforts.
The 2020 NJGF Golf Classic will honor the heroic efforts of healthcare workers and first responders throughout RWJBarnabas Health, who have been on the frontlines battling the COVID-19 pandemic. The largest, most comprehensive academic health care system in New Jersey, RWJBarnabas Health is committed to the ongoing improvement of the health, quality of life, and the vitality of communities throughout New Jersey. With a service area covering nine counties with five million people, RWJBarnabas Health’s service to the people of New Jersey extends far beyond the care provided within the hospital walls, as the system supports programs that promote health and wellness in our communities, while providing access to services that would otherwise be unavailable.
This is our opportunity to applaud the selfless efforts of so many doctors, nurses, EMT’s, patient reps, and all of the “Heroes,” who are committed to working tirelessly to care for thousands of patients each day. This year we say THANK YOU to the 35,000 employees across the system and recognize the TRUE heroes, who continue to step up and inspire us all to help make a difference!
Proceeds from the 2020 event at the acclaimed Baltusrol Golf Club will support The RWJBarnabas Health Emergency Response Fund, which provides personal protective equipment (PPE) and the necessary resources to ensure the safety of all patients, caregivers and staff.
Limited Registration is available – Click HERE (Link to Brochure)
“All In Challenge” - Hosted by New Jersey PGA Section, New Jersey Golf Foundation and New Jersey State Golf Association - Raises more than $45,000 in Support of COVID-19 Relief Efforts
New Jersey Golf Foundation and the NJPGA recently teamed-up with the New Jersey State Golf Association and Greenside Experiences to host the “All In Challenge,” generating more than $45,000 to support COVID-19 relief efforts.
The live auction featured rounds of golf at a selection of premier private golf clubs in NJ; lesson packages with accomplished PGA Teaching Professionals; golf equipment & merchandise; signed sports memorabilia and golf club membership packages, among others. The proceeds were distributed to The Salvation Army of New Jersey, First Responders Children’s Foundation and the Father English Community Center in Paterson, as each charitable organization received over $15,000.
“The golf industry has always been a key driver of charitable giving in the US, and although our operations are not fully functional at this time, it was important for us to find a way to support these incredible charitable organizations during unsettling times,” said Jason Fiore (Forest Hill Field Club) & Michael Holiday (Upper Montclair CC), Co-Chairs, NJPGA PR Committee. “Our original goal was $25,000, and it’s truly inspiring to see the golf community come together, as we nearly doubled our goal by raising over $45,000 for organizations in need of help.”
“On behalf of the 2.8 million first responders on the front lines of the pandemic, thank you for your generous pledge of support to First Responders Children’s Foundation,” Scott Perrin, Executive Director, First Responders Children’s Foundation.
“This is such wonderful news! On behalf of all those we are serving, thank you so much to all involved, we are sincerely grateful,” said James W. Betts, Major, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army New Jersey Division.
Catherine Buren and Max Cataldo Named the 2020-21 Recipients of the Bruce Lieberman Memorial Scholarship
Catherine Buren (Scotch Plains HS) and Max Cataldo (Northern Valley Regional HS at Old Tappan) have been named the 2020-21 recipients of the Bruce Lieberman Memorial Scholarship.
Created by The New Jersey Golf Foundation, the Bruce Lieberman Memorial Scholarship is given annually to an individual(s) that excels both academically and athletically, and is in financial need for college. The recipient will be one who exemplifies the traits that were so important to Bruce: loyalty, dedication, integrity, honesty and professionalism.
This is a $2,500 annual scholarship ($10,000 maximum) which is open to students of any class year provided they continue to meet the standards set forth by the scholarship committee.
Buren, who will be attending the University of Pennsylvania, was a 4-sport varsity athlete, earned the NJ Scholar Athlete award and serves as volunteer EMT for the Scotch Plains Rescue Squad.
Cataldo, who earned first team all-league, all-county and all-north jersey, as a member of the high school golf team, also captured the prestigious Dan Luciano Golf Championship (Individual Bergen County Champ). Cataldo will attend Bentley College, where he will compete for the Men’s Golf team.