Golfers Raise Funds to Support Financial Aid, Community Programs

HAMBURG, NJ - The Sussex County YMCA hosted its 21st Annual Golf Outing on May 17 at the award-winning Ballyowen Golf Club, drawing nearly 90 golfers and raising a net total of $42,000 to help reduce the cost of Y programs for children, families, and adults in the community.

“It’s wonderful to see the community come together to champion the Y’s cause. We’re grateful for all the players, donors, staff, and volunteers who’ve supported the Y year after year during this annual event. The dollars raised will make a real difference in the lives of people who count on the Y for not only fitness needs, but for chronic disease prevention, cancer recovery programs, after-school child care, life-saving swim lessons, and so much more,” said Dan Elwell, Chief Development Officer for the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, which includes the Sussex County Y.

The Golf Outing raises money for the Y’s Annual Support Campaign and will be used to help families who qualify for assistance in paying for Y programs or memberships. In 2022, the Sussex County Y provided financial assistance to one in four children in summer camps, one in seven children in its before and after school child care programs, and nearly half of kids in youth sports programs.

Funds raised will also support free programs like Livestrong at the YMCA for adults wanting to regain their strength after having gone through cancer treatment; Safety Around Water, a drowning prevention program for kids of all ages; Y First physician’s referral program; and memberships offered at no cost for middle school students.

“Thanks to the success of this year’s event, we will be able to help more people participate in our programs at affordable costs, because worrying about the ability to pay should not be a barrier for being a part of the Y,” said Corey Brown, Executive Director of the Sussex County Y. 

This year’s Golf Outing honored Nielsen Automotive Group for their support of the Y, where they funded and built a playground, and the community. The outing also paid homage to the late Raymond W. Cordts, a champion of numerous community causes and a former Golf Outing Committee member, with the return of the Raymond W. Cordts Memorial Golf Ball Cannon. 

This year’s Golf Outing was presented by Thorlabs Inc. and sponsors include Ally, Lakeland Bank, First Hope Bank, Perona Farms, the Macaluso Family, Your Diet Guy, RoNetco Supermarkets, Nielsen Automotive Group, Wayne Tile, Planet Networks, and Chiesa, Shahinian, & Giantomasi. 

Attendees enjoyed a catered breakfast, an afternoon of golf and reception afterward, with stories of Y’s impact from Y members and participants. 

To learn more about the Y’s Financial Assistance Program, visit metroymcas.org. 

Pictured, Joanne Dingle talks about how important the Y has been to her and fellow members from her aquatics exercise group.

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ABOUT THE Y

Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its seven branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, New Milford, Hardyston, Stillwater and Wayne are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.