United Way of Monmouth benefits from golf outing

United Way of Monmouth County recently held its 11th annual Spring Tee-Off, co-sponsored by UBS Financial Services at the Metedeconk National Golf Club, Jackson.

The day began with a buffet luncheon followed by a 1 p.m. shotgun start; 155 golfers participated in the outing. Two cars and one Harley Davidson motorcycle were donated for the hole in one prizes. Barry Pollack of Rittenhouse Ford, Long Branch, provided a Ford Mustang, and a Mercedes was provided by Roger Pitman of David Michael Motors, Freehold, and the motorcycle was provided by Philip Gregg of Harley Davidson Motorcycles, Long Branch.

During the outing golfers were invited to participate in the Pot of Gold challenge. Each golfer was asked to pay $10 for a chance to have his or her drive land on the green. If they were successful in their attempt, their name was put into a hat for a drawing at a chance to win half the proceeds from the Pot of Gold challenge. This year's winner walked home with $700.

After a round of golf, participants were invited back to the clubhouse for a buffet dinner, awards presentation, silent auction and short program. Cindi Van Brunt, executive director for Court Appointed Special Advocates of New Jersey, was the guest speaker. She shared real-life stories with the attendees and discussed how the organization's services would not be available for Monmouth County children if it were not for the United Way and events like these that raise thousands of dollars annually.

"It is because of people just like you who give through events like this golf outing and other ways, that we are able to make a difference in the life of a child right here in your own backyard and I thank you," Van Brunt said.

CASA is one of 69 health and human service agencies that the United Way of Monmouth County currently funds.

Special recognition was given to the corporate sponsor UBS Financial Services and co-chairman Tim Donnelly. This was UBS Financial Services' first year serving as the event's corporate sponsor.

"We are delighted to be a part of this event and to be able to support the United Way," Donnelly said.

Dan Harris, United Way board chairman and co-chair of the golf event, was thrilled with the response to the new location.

"We have really brought this outing to a new level; today's success could not have been if it weren't for your generosity and support," Harris said in his opening remarks.

Bob Bonney Jr., co-chairman and United Way board member, thanked all the sponsors for their generosity, the club for its accommodations and the United Way staff and volunteers for ensuring the success of this event.

The silent auction raised more than $5,500.

Top golfers taking home prizes were: Men's Gross, Greg Angelillo; Women's Gross, Sue Mc Clure; Men's Callaway, Paul Wiemken; Closest to the Pin, Karl Hagberg and Carlo Sestito; Longest Drive, Sean Flaherty and Michael Rapf; Team Callaway, Dan Harris, Chris Morris, Jack Morris and Jeff Venezia.

Awards were distributed several places deep in each category, with each individual receiving a gift certificate from the club's pro shop and a shirt donated by Brooks Brothers.

All proceeds from the Spring Tee-Off benefit the 69 health and human services agencies the United Way currently funds.