The Simon Family JCC 4th Annual Presidents’ Cup Golf Tournament brought golfers together for a worthy cause and an afternoon of recreation, relaxation and a little community education at Heron Ridge Golf Club on Tuesday, June 24.
More than 70 golfers gathered to support the Simon Family JCC, specifically programs for children.
The JCC provides programs and services for children such as a before and after school activities, infant and toddler care, summer day camp, special needs summer day camp, and teen programing. The Simon Family JCC Presidents’ Cup Golf Tournament raises funds for scholarships and to support these programs. “We are so very thankful to the JCC staff and all those whose generosity makes a camp experience possible for our son,” said Roy Zaletski, who spoke before the foursomes teed off at Heron Ridge.
Thanks to the hard work of the solicitors and the generosity of the community sponsors and players, nearly $60,000 was raised. The day’s success was largely due to the dedicated volunteers and JCC staff members. A special thanks to Charles Barker Automotive for providing the “Hole in One” Infiniti, and to PayDay PayRoll Services for running the Vegas hole, and donating 100% of the proceeds back to the JCC. Beskin and Associates sponsored the winning team of Roy Beskin, Jerry Meltsner, Jason Drewry and Joby Foley.
Evan Levitt, JCC development director and lead staff for the tournament, worked closely with the solicitation committee of Marty Einhorn, Lynn Cohen, David Gilbert, Jason Hoffman, Alex Pomerantz, Sandra Porter Leon, Terri Sarfan, Normie Sher, Fay Silverman, John Strelitz and Adam White. Rebecca Bickford, JCC development associate, was responsible for tournament logistics, from raffle prizes to player organization, day-of execution, and sponsor recognition. Kathy Higgins, membership associate, recruited and managed all tournament volunteers and assisted in planning and day-of logistics.
As the players began each hole, they were educated about the JCC, specifically about the programs their dollars support. New this year was an opening statement by someone who benefits directly from a program supported by the tournament. “Our oldest son, Gus, is 10 years old and has Down syndrome,” explained his father, Roy Zaletski. “As you might imagine, finding fulfilling activities for him outside of school and over the summer can take some research. We were referred to the JCC Summer Camp program by an educational advocate, specifically for the one-to-one “shadows” which the JCC provides for special- needs campers at no additional cost to the family. Whether it ‘s during swimming lessons or singing and dancing each morning at Boker Tov, the degree to which Gus is supported and included at the JCC Summer Camp is incredibly unique and appreciated. This summer will mark his sixth straight year attending the camp, and it has become a big part of his life.”
Throughout its history, the JCC has been fortunate to have the strong leadership of visionary presidents who have given countless hours to guide the Center’s successful development. The Annual Simon Family JCC Presidents’ Cup honors their commitment and dedication to the JCC mission.
The Simon Family JCC is a constituent agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.
by Leslie Shroyer