A Celebration to Remember
September 21, 2023
25th Anniversary Golf Outing Raises More Than $285,000!
On Monday, September 11th, nearly 300 golfers from all over the state and beyond participated in our 25th Anniversary Applied Underwriters Golf Invitational, presented by The Michael J. Valiant Sr. Foundation in support of Autism New Jersey and its mission.
There are several unique components that set this event apart from the rest but what truly makes it special are the personal and thoughtful touches put in place each year by our ten longstanding committee members.
“Autism New Jersey is incredibly lucky to have a group of parents and friends who make our golf event a priority – not only year after year but now for more than two decades,” said Dr. Suzanne Buchanan, Executive Director of Autism New Jersey.
Golf committee members pictured from left to right: Mike Maron, Matthew Pini (standing in for his dad Josh), Kevin Doherty, Mike Aquino, Steve Pellegrinelli, Tim Kane, Jackie Kelly, Robert Stoute, Gino Valiant, Jamie McGovern
The day kicked off at 11:00am at the picturesque Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club in Bedminster, NJ. In addition to our gourmet BBQ lunch, one of our committee members, Mike Maron, hosted the first Autism New Jersey One-Minute Challenge on the driving range. The contest is sponsored by the “Greg Maron Fan Club” which honors Mike and his wife Alisa’s son.
After lunch, golfers rallied for the 12:30pm shotgun start. With so many participants, including the massive Aquino Family Foundation entourage, we utilized all three greens offered by the venue, the Forest, Meadow, and River courses.
New on the courses this year were air cannons that players could “Pay to Play.” The idea was to aim, shoot, and hope you landed on the green, accompanied by lots of laughter and heckles from fellow golfers.
After the weather ended our time on the courses a little early, the celebration continued with cocktails on the patio accompanied by Winding River, a New Jersey band that features our Committee Co-Chair, Steve Pellegrinelli.
During our dinner banquet, we welcomed guest speakers to acknowledge new guests and pay tribute to those we lost along the way. Autism New Jersey Board member, Art Corwin, honored first responders and families affected by the tragic events of 9/11. Past Golf Committee Member, Geoff Dubrowski, created a memorial video in memory of friends and family who helped make our golf outing what it is today. A new friend, NBC Sportscaster, Kathryn Tappen, took the stage to give our favorite local celebrities fun shout-outs including Tim Capstraw, Howard Cross, Gerry Cooney, Paul Mirabella, and George Oliphant.
The event capped off with fantastic prizes to top foursomes, a record-breaking auction raising nearly $30,000, and a room of inspired people!
Thank you to our dedicated and generous sponsors:
- Title Sponsor: Applied Underwriters
- Presenting Sponsor: The Michael J. Valiant Sr. Foundation
- Eagle Sponsors: The Aquino Family Foundation, The Corwin Family Foundation, The Railroad Construction Company
- Tournament Sponsors: The Aquino Family Foundation in loving memory of Julianne and Emily, Pala Casino Spa and Resort, Patriot Mortgage, and Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh