The 2020 Black & Gold Golf Classic, by all accounts, was a rousing success at the Essex County Country Club on September 17th. While the one-day event netted the second highest total in the event’s 7-year history, it was the energy all around the event that received most notice. We drew a full house and four aces!
Demand from golfers for this course was so great that we actually oversold the event. Sponsorships featured Investors Bank as Lead Sponsor, Panepinto Properties as Dinner Sponsor, Bel Air Transport as Cocktail Sponsor, and ABFS Facility Service Solutions as Lunch Sponsor. Black & Gold Sponsors included New Jersey Natural Gas (Mark Kahrer ’79), John Boyle, and The Garibell Family.
The Honorees brought great star power and enthusiasm to the event. Kevin Cummings, CEO of Investors Bank, received the Hero of Hudson Catholic Award from HCHS Board of Consultors Chairman Brian Neary ’69, whose mothers were best friends from their days at St. Al’s High School. Christina Vyzas, our Allied Health Program Instructor, presented the Hero of Hudson Catholic Award to her hero, and dad, Vince Vyzas ’81. Dr. Eugene Cornacchia, PhD and President of St. Peter’s University, received the Golden Service Award from Mark Kahrer’ 79, member of the SPU Board of Regents. And, Board Member, Eileen Higgins presented the John P. Higgins Award, named for her late brother, to Principal Terry Matthews.
At the evening’s conclusion, our 50/50 raffle produced $3,150 to the winner, Maureen Denzler, John Higgins’ mother! In typically generous Higgins fashion, Maureen donated the cash back, to the John Higgins Scholarship Fund!
The highlight of our evening was having seven student volunteers for the day address the dinner audience of 150 about their Hudson Catholic experience and college interests or acceptances. It led one non-Hudson Catholic graduate from a nearby school to remark rather poignantly about how our school has a soul and it was on display that night!
We expect demand from golfers and sponsors to remain very high or higher next year, so Save the Date, September 16, 2021, for next year’s event back at the Essex County Country Club.
To all of our honorees, sponsors, advertisers, golfers, donors, and dinner attendees, thank you for your generous support of this important social and fundraising event in the Hudson Catholic community.
Office of Advancement ~ Gary, Jill & Jenine
