The Big Guy Shoot Out Celebrates 25 Years
November 02, 2021
At their annual “Big Guy Shoot Out” golf outing on October 7, 2021, The Michael J. Valiant, Sr., Foundation celebrated an important milestone, its silver anniversary. The Foundation was started in memory of patriarch, Michael J Valiant, Sr., shortly after he passed away in September 1996. A business owner and community pillar, he was lovingly known as “the Big Guy” to his friends and family.
Michael’s late wife, Karen, and children, Gino, Michael Jr., and Cathy sought to honor his memory by making a difference in the lives of others. When Gino’s son, Genare, was diagnosed with autism in 1997, the foundation focused efforts on supporting the autism community.
It started with a call to Autism New Jersey’s Helpline shortly after Genare’s diagnosis. The Michael J. Valiant, Sr. Foundation has been a supporter ever since, including its longtime presenting sponsorship of our annual Golf Outing and Gino’s service as a past president of the Autism New Jersey Board.
In the last 25 years, the Foundation has donated over $350,000 to Autism New Jersey and other state and local charities that help the community.
We congratulate them on this milestone and thank them for their generous support throughout the years.