32nd Annual Dwares JCC Golf Classic a success

Rain could not stop golfers and community members alike from supporting the Jewish Alliance’s 32nd Annual Dwares JCC Golf Classic on July 27.

The tournament, originally scheduled for June, returned to Ledgemont Country Club in Seekonk, Massachusetts this year. Chaired by James Pious and Rick Granoff, the event raised approximately $90,000 to support the programs for all ages housed at the newly-renovated Jewish Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center. Sponsorships included nearly 50 local businesses and individuals.

The Dwares JCC is a central hub for education, wellness, cultural and engagement programming for the local Jewish community and beyond. These crucial funds also support scholarships for children to attend the David C. Isenberg Family Early Childhood Center (ECC) and J-Camp, as well as other initiatives such as PJ Library, Eides Family J-Space Afterschool Program and a range of social programs for seniors. 

Players were welcomed by Alliance staff with golf bags and bottles of wine in hand, courtesy of MS Walker of RI, and enjoyed a barbecue lunch before heading out to the course. Lunch was sponsored by Double Eagle Sponsors Bonnie and Donald Dwares, The Miriam Hospital and D.F. Pray.

Despite light rain throughout the day, golfers enjoyed the legendary golf course and participated in drawings and putting contests along the way. After the foursomes completed their rounds, participants met in the clubhouse for cocktails, dinner and a live auction. Auction prizes included box seats at a Red Sox game, dinner with Patriots safety Nate Ebner and a Newport harbor cruise. Aaron Simon, David Goldstein, Daniel Pious and Michael Savit were auction winners.

Following the auction, ECC Director Jo-Anne DeGiacomo Petrie talked about her work. “As many parents know, affordability is a large issue when considering early learning and educational options. Families should not have to compromise the safety and education of their children for affordability. Our students have experiences that other early learning facilities are just unable to offer. Who wouldn’t want their children to be exposed to taking care of God’s creatures, giving to those in need, bringing joy to the elderly, being kind and welcoming to others, all while fostering community?”

DeGiacomo Petrie’s speech was followed by a “Fund-a-Need” auction, encouraging attendees to pledge to ECC scholarships that offer assistance to families of infants, toddlers and preschoolers who receive high-quality education in a loving, welcoming learning environment. The day’s success was an inspiring way to conclude the Jewish Alliance’s 2017 campaign year.

The results of the day were announced during dinner:

Winner of First Gross:

Buddy Trinkle, Josh Rheaume and Andrew Roy

Winner of First Net:

Brock Manville, David Epstein, Robert Sherwin

Winner of Second Net:

James Pious, Daniel Pious, Michael Evans, Josh Plosker

Winner of Third Net:

Michael Savit, Richard Weiner, Brandon Weiner, Kenny Gad

Winner of First Mixed Net: John Renza, Elisabeth Sondler, Peri Ann Aptaker, Joe Quatrocci

Winner of Second Mix Net: Peter Jacavone, Ray Richard, Randy Shatz, Pamala Bhatia

Straightest Drive:

Brandon Weiner

Closest to the Pin:

Buzz Cohen

Winner of the Hit the Green contest:

Scott Chernick

Winner of the 3 in 1 Putting Green contest:

Ed Rotmer

STEPHANIE HAGUE is the philanthropy officer at the Jewish Alliance.