$45k Raised for Human Service Programs

GOSHEN – Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange and Sullivan raised more than $45,000 at its 10th anniversary golf outing fundraiser. The funds raised go directly toward supporting much-needed anti-poverty programs, such as emergency food and shelter case management assistance in the not-for profit agency’s two county service area.

The annual outing, held at West Hills Country Club in Middletown, was chaired by Catholic Charities’ board member Tom Larsen, Senior Vice President of Government and Public Relations at Mediacom Communications Corp.

“The generous support from sponsors, golfers, raffle donors, committee members, and volunteers helps make the annual Catholic Charities’ golf outing a success each year,” said Larsen. “While our golfers enjoy a day on the course for some fun and friendly competition, the money raised allows Catholic Charities to lend a hand up to the neediest in our community so they may have access to a better quality of life. Last year, more than 30,000 individuals and families received assistance from Catholic Charities of Orange and Sullivan.”

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York and Sterling National Bank served as the golf outing’s lead sponsors. Other top sponsors included ShopRite Supermarkets, Orange Regional Medical Center, Rasky Baerlein, Bonura Hospitality Group, Orange County Trust Company, and Armistead Mechanical. Healey Brothers sponsored the Hole-in-One contest, providing a Ford Fusion for the popular competition.

Taking top prize for women was the foursome of Mary Bonura, Denise Freeman, Carol Smith, and Jeanie Tomita. The winning men’s foursome was comprised of Harry Kolbe, Joe Michulski, Bob Sherman, and Pete Tingus. Bryan McLaughlin and Damiane Doyle won prizes for the longest drive contest and James Delaney and Jeanie Tomita won the closest to the pin contest. All of the winners received gift certificates to the West Hills Pro Shop.

“Thanks to the hard work of our golf fundraising committee, under the leadership of Tom Larsen, the West Hill’s team, and our Catholic Charities’ staff the day ran smoothly and a good time was had by all – even when we had to take a break in play to wait out a thunderstorm,” said Dr. Dean Scher, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange and Sullivan. “We are immensely grateful for the tremendous generosity that allows Catholic Charities to provide food and shelter assistance to our friends and neighbors in need year after year.”

Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange and Sullivan’s next fundraiser is the annual Orange County Country Roads Fall Foliage Bike Tour on Sunday, September 18. The Tour offers 10, 25, 45, and 65 mile rides through Orange County’s scenic country side. For more information or to register, visit www.active.com, www.ocbicycleclub.org, or contact Kristin Jensen at 845.294.5124, ext. 303 or kristin.jensen@archny.org.