Although the final figures aren’t complete, the Johnston Memorial Cancer Events (JMCE) Golf Tournament continues to be one of Rhode Island’s top revenue-generating events.
Linda LaFazia, the JMCE’s long-serving volunteer treasurer, this week announced the ninth annual Memorial Golf Tournament – which was played two weeks ago at famed Connecticut National Golf Club in Putnam, Conn. – realized a profit of $14,200.
However, as LaFazia – whose husband Vin LaFazia is the driving force behind the event’s sparkling success – wanted it known: “We still have some more contributions that will be coming in and we’re expecting that final figure to change.”
Whether or not the annual amount changes, the beneficiary, Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, will be thrilled with the results, according to Victoria Bernardo, a Warwick resident and development assistant who was among the many volunteers at the May 7 tournament.
“This entire event is absolutely amazing,” Bernardo said while helping JMCE board member Jean Chatelle sell raffle tickets. “I’m in awe of everything that is going on here. I’ve never, ever seen anything fundraising event quite like this.”
“Many, many members of our generous communities share the same philosophy as we do – they want to help us stamp out cancer that continues to strike children,” JMCE chairman Dennis Quaranta said. “Our donations come in many forms, from memorial signs with a picture of a loved one to raffle prizes and in some cases private donations in recognition of our commitment to Hasbro Hospital.”
To date, the JMCE has donated $126,000 to Hasbro Children’s Hospital’s oncology and hematology departments. There’s even a suite – dedicated in memory of the late JMCE family members Anna Mazzulla, Laura DeAngelis, and Sal Gelsomino – at the award-winning facility.
While the memorial golf tournament is the JMCE’s top revenue producer, there are others such events that the non-profit either hosts or co-hosts in its ongoing fundraising efforts.
The JMCE also announce the official winners of all categories at the recent memorial golf tournament.
First place overall was the foursome of Dan Salzillo, RJ Tassoni, Joe Grasso, and Jon Verdecchia. Second place went to Dave Vescera, Brian Crum, Paul Pennine, and Mark Capaldi.
The foursome of Joe and Audrey Jorge and Jeannie Daluz and Mark Cifelli took top honors in the coed division, while the runners-up were Keith Julian and Andréa DiGiorgio and Kim and Randy Kosh.
Paul Santilli and Adrea DiGiorgio won honors in the men’s and women’s closest-to-the-pin contest, and Joe Tolmie, Melodie Hebery, and PJ Tassoni won longest drive awards. 1
TOP FOURSOME:
The foursome of Dan Salzillo, RJ Tossoni, Joe Grasso, and Jon Verdecchia (not pictured) won top honors at the recent JMCE Golf Tournament. (Submitted photos) 2
RUNNERS-UP:
The runners-up in the JMCE Golf Tournament were Dave Vescera, Brian Crum, Paul Pennine, and Mark Capaldi (not pictured). 3
COED WINNERS:
Joe and Audrey Jorge and Jeanine Daluz and Mark Cifelli took top honors in the co-ed division. 4
GREAT SHOWING:
The runners-up in the coed division of the tournament were Keith Julian, Andrea DiGiorgio, and Kim and Randy Kosh. 5
SPECIAL AWARDS:
Paul Santilli and Andrea DiGorgio won closest-to-the-pin honors during the tournament, while longest drive honors went to Joe Tolmie, Melodie Hebery, and RJ Tassoni.
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