MCCC Haldeman Auto Group Golf Classic is a Grand Slam for Student Scholarships
9/12/19
West Windsor, N.J. – Supporters of Mercer County Community College (MCCC) enjoyed great weather, food and sport at the college’s 28th Annual Golf Classic. Hosted at the Trenton Country Club (TCC), the event brought local benefactors to the links to raise money for student-athlete scholarships.
Co-chairs for the event were Brian Bennett (Haldeman Auto Group), David Fraytak (Merrill Lynch), and Allen Silk (Stark & Stark). The tournament is held in memory of Dr. Cynthia Shaffer, who served as a member of the MCCC Foundation Board and was an avid supporter of youth sports.
The day on the green began at 10:30 a.m., with early arrivals practicing their swing at the driving range. After an introduction by Joe Claffey, Vice President for College Advancement, and an address from MCCC President Jianping Wang, golfers were treated to lunch and headed out to the green.
“We’ve been doing this event for nearly three decades, and the support we get is incredible,” said Claffey. “Our student athletes are an important part to our college community and to our community at large, as many of them have part-time jobs throughout the area, some of them with our sponsors.”
Over 20 teams of four golfers representing area business and organizations played in an 18-hole scramble. Golfers were eligible for prizes ranging from free golfing at local country clubs to a mini-tournament for 12 at TCC. Those skilled enough to hit a hole-in-one on the 10th hole would win a new Lexus, courtesy of event sponsor Haldeman Autos.
“This fundraiser helps numerous student athletes pursue their college goals every year, students who consistently perform well in the classroom in addition to their sport,” said MCCC Athletics Director John Simone. “Community support sends them a message that we believe in them and are doing everything we can to insure their success,” he said.
Following the day’s events, the golfers joined with other dinner guests for the 19th Hole Reception and awards dinner. The evening festivities included a silent auction featuring a selection of guest foursomes from many of the region’s private golf clubs and other items donated by MCCC donors and friends, including NFL tickets to see the New England Patriots.
The tournament’s winning foursome was Fraytak, Steve Troiano, Larry Ditullo and Sam Scuderi. This event marked Fraytak’s second consecutive victory and third straight year placing in the top two. Second place went to Gene Ragazzo, Brian Propp, Fritz Reuss, Len Walentukonis. Other winners included Cyndie Williams (Longest Drive – Women), Frank Lucchesi (Longest Drive – Men), Wayne DeAngelo (Closest to the Pin #5), Alan Martin (Closest to the Pin #10), Zach O’Grady (Closest to the Pin #13) and Ivan Cajigas (Closest to the Pin #15).
In addition to Haldeman Auto Group, main sponsors included: Homasote Manufacturing Co., Spiezle Architectural Group, Merrill Lynch, Stark & Stark, PRISM Advisory Group, PFM Asset Management, and Borden Perlman, Clark Caton Hintz, Wawa, Honeywell, Architectural Window, Jammin' Crepes, Adams, Guiterrez & Lattiboudere, The College of New Jersey, Wells Fargo, Rivertan Risk Management, The Bank of Princeton, IBEW Local No. 269, Aamir Rehman and Herring Properties.
Other sponsors include Geico (lunch), TESU and Plumbers & Pipefutters Local Union No. 9 (beverages), and Princeton Air and Carpenters Contractors Trust NY/NJ (golf carts). Community members serving on the committee are: Herb Ames, Don Fowler (Merrill Lynch), Warren Flicker (Homasote Manufacturing Co.), Ed Gwazda, Daniel Klim (American Physical Therapy Association of New Jersey), Brian McCloskey (MCCC Executive Director of Finance, Tom Perrino (Spiezle Architectural Group), Michael Procaccini (Northeast/NY Upstate Medical Group Insurance Services, Inc.), Gene Ragazzo, and Steve Ritzau.
According to Simone, Class of 2019 included 24 athletes who will be transferring to continue their academic and athletic careers. “Our students learn important life skills including teamwork and time management. They consistently perform well in the classroom. This tournament lets them know that we believe in them and are investing in their futures,” Simone said.
To view a photo album from the event, click here.
Community members serving on the Golf Classic committee are, front row, from left, MCCC Athletics Director John Simone, Co-chairs Dave Fraytak, Brian Bennett and Allen Silk.
Co-Chair Dave Fraytak's (far right) foursome won the golf tournament for the second straight year.
Gabby Estrada (left) and Paige Metz were among the student-athletes who volunteered at the event.