The Jewish Educational Center’s second annual golf outing was held on Monday, July 17. The event sold out early and brought together golfers and friends of the JEC from across a broad spectrum.
“We were joined by the mayor (Chris Bollwage) and other dignitaries from the City of Elizabeth,” said event co-chair and JEC board member and parent Brian Ness. “Councilmen and leaders from Township of Hillside joined us; Jason Cury, president of CIJE (Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education); Scott Kreiger, the new president of our Federation (Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest); renowned and community rabbis; JEC alumni; faculty; business associates and friends.”
This year’s sponsorships yielded tens of thousands of dollars to benefit the close to 900 students of the JEC’s three divisions. Funds will be directed toward scholarship funds for students in the respective divisions.
“It was gratifying to see how many wonderful people, including many distinguished leaders, came out in support of our students,” said Dr. Steven Singfer, the JEC’s Board of Trustees president. “And the number of enthusiastic parent volunteers who assisted throughout the day as well.”
Faculty, administrators and members of the board of trustees mingled with guests on the green, and some even played golf, including RTMA Principal Rabbi Ami Neuman, who played for a second consecutive year. “It was a nice way to spend some time out of the four corners of the school itself but with our school family in a relaxed and enjoyable setting,” he said.
Co-chairs Ness and Jeffrey Kimmel, both of Hillside, were especially excited by the outcome of the day.
“While last year, we were thrilled with the success of our inaugural golf outing, we worked hard to ensure there would be no sophomore slump,” said Ness. “This year we had over 100 golfers, 20 volunteers and tens of thousands of dollars raised.”
“It was wonderful seeing all the new faces and connections that were made this year,” added Kimmel. “There [was] all sorts of networking taking place on the course, especially at the BBQ and concession stations. Alumni reconnections, business deals, new introductions—it was incredible to watch and hear about.”
Cury participated in every aspect of the event and even won the grand raffle at the end of the evening. “I thought that the day was a smashing success for the school,” he said.
Krieger joined the gathering for the gala dinner that followed golf. “I was impressed by the tremendous turnout, as well as the ruach I felt in the room,” he said. “I met a lot of the leadership and rabbonim and look forward to continuing my relationship with the JEC community.”
With plans already under way for next year’s event, both chairs agree that it was well worth the many months of planning and coordination. “What started off as a kernel of an idea has blossomed into an outstanding golfing event,” said Kimmel.
For more information about this year’s golf outing, or to view the list of sponsors, please visit www.JECGolfOuting.org.
