Clifton–For 34 years the Steiger Golf Classic benefitting Daughters of Miriam Center (DMC), a non-profit, long-term care and rehabilitation facility in Clifton has raised funds to aid the seniors of Northern New Jersey. Under the leadership of Co-Chairman Joel J. Steiger, who retired this year, the outing has grown from a $30,000 a year fund-raiser to an annual event that brings in nearly a quarter of a million dollars.
The tournament was the brain child of Steiger and long-time fellow co-chairman, Larry Goldman. Goldman stepped down in 1999, but Joel Steiger has continued to head the team organizing the day that attracts business and community leaders from all across the tri-state area. The first Classic, held in 1981, brought 180 participants together to play golf and tennis. Through the years, the event has changed. Tennis is no longer offered and an auction has been added to the evening’s festivities. Through it all though, Steiger’s leadership has remained a constant.
His contributions to the Classic are numerous and significant, but they are only a portion of his work at the Center. Within five years of his election to the Board of Trustees of Daughters of Miriam Center in 1968, he was named a vice-president of that august body. From 1983 to 1986 he brought his insight and knowledge to the role of President. His three-year tenure was marked with significant accomplishment and advancement which included the formation of the Daughters of Miriam Foundation, which he also led as President until 2010.
In addition to providing constant leadership to not only the Golf Classic, but the Ad Journal and Capital Campaigns as well, he and his wife Carole Ann have led by example with their personal generosity, endowing the Steiger Conference room and committing significant funds to countless appeals and campaigns in the 45 years of their association with the Center.
In 2005 Joel was awarded two major honors by the Center. At the annual meeting of the Board of Trustees, he was named Distinguished Past President by his peers. This honor has only been bestowed on five other presidents in the Center’s 93 year history. That same year, on the 25th anniversary of the tournament, the Center renamed the Annual Golf Classic to the Steiger Golf Classic in recognition of his dedication, service and unfailing support of the event and the seniors it benefits.
As part of the evening’s festivities, the Center presented Steiger with gifts and a beautiful hand-calligraphed document which highlighted his many accomplishments and thanked him for his service. The long, standing ovation he received from everyone assembled was a testament to the gratitude for his many years of service from all who support the Center. Also honored were Carole Ann Steiger, for coordinating the volunteers during his tenure and Morton Klein for 15 years as a co-chairman.
In its 34 year history, the classic under Steiger’s leadership has raised over $6 million for seniors at the Center. It has also provided its attendees with hours of enjoyment and, in some cases, some truly spectacular prizes. Three participants have scored holes-in-one on prize holes, winning cars, jewelry and cash.
The Steiger Classic has become a community tradition, raising necessary funds which allow the Center to continue caring for over 500 seniors every day. Each year the outing brings together business and community leaders who enjoy a beautiful day of golf and camaraderie while supporting the Center.
One of the other features of DMC’s Golf Classic is the million dollar shootout at the conclusion of play. It is the only area tournament to offer lucky qualifiers the opportunity to win $1,000,000 cash for a hole-in-one or a $10,000 bulls-eye prize. Sponsored by Steiger and Golf Committee Member Pat Mucci, Jr. of North Caldwell, the shootout takes place on the 18th hole. While no one walked away a winner, some close shots made for an exciting start to the evening.
The shotgun tournament offers terrific hole-in-one prizes on the 6th, 8th, 16th and 18th holes. Participants receive a variety of gifts when they register and are treated to a sumptuous brunch and a delectable dinner. Area businesses and generous individuals donate a wide variety of gifts and prizes so the tournament can offer something for everyone.
