JMCE’s 9th annual Golf Tournament a hole-in-one

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“This is amazing,” Victoria Gerardo exclaimed as she addressed some 200-plus people early Saturday afternoon at Connecticut National Golf Club. “I’m absolutely in awe. I’ve never seen anything like this before.”

Gerardo, who is a development associate with Hasbro Children’s Hospital, was speaking about the ninth annual Johnston Memorial Cancer Events (JMCE) Golf Tournament, which drew rave reviews from course officials and a sellout field of 160 golfers that raised money to help fight pediatric cancer.

“I’ve played every one of these tournaments,” Paul Santilli said while enjoying one of the event’s signature sausage-and-pepper sandwiches. “This is without question one of the best tournament anywhere.”

“This is a great tournament for a great cause, and it’s extremely well organized,” said Bob Civetti, a member of the Johnston Lions Club who played in a foursome that included his brother David Civetti, Alan Verdecchio, and John Simao.

The event was again played in memory of the late Sal Gelsomino, Laura DeAngelis, Anna Mazzulla, and Ray Johnston.

“From the time you arrive until the post-tourney dinner, you’re treated like royalty,” said Domenic DiMicco, who owns DiMicco’s Authentic Italian Eatery in Warwick and took the day off to play in the event. “There’s plenty of food, a great golf course, and the people are amazingly friendly.”

From the time golfers checked in and staffers at Connecticut National put their bags on their respective carts, the first order of business was to register and receive a Gentry Moving gift bag that included everything from a PGA hat to a sleeve of golf balls.

Golfers then either participated in the Chili’s Restaurant-sponsored putting contest – which this year came courtesy of Melissa LaFazia’s efforts – or headed to the charcoal grill manned by Phyllis Gelsomino, Debbie Johnson, and Eric Gelsomino to enjoy a sandwich or hot dog.

“This is yet another great production,” said David DeCesare, former deputy police chief in Johnston who is now Rhode Island’s chief sheriff, as he and current Johnston Deputy Chief Dan Parrillo enjoyed their lunches and camaraderie. “These people really know how to do it.”

One person in particular is Vin LaFazia, the JMCE’s tireless workhorse, for whom the tournament is a labor of love.

“Without Vinny, this tourney probably doesn’t exist,” Dennis Quaranta, the JMCE’s chairman, said while serving sandwiches. “He plans and plans and plans. That’s why this is such a great and successful event.”

There are two other people – Linda LaFazia and Judi Graham – who also work tirelessly to ensure the event’s success as the JMCE seeks to top last year’s record-setting donation to Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

Then there are the families of the late Sal Gelsomino, Anna Mazzulla, Laure DeAngelis, and Ray Johnson who dedicate what Quaranta called “a ton of time to make this tourney work well.”

Saturday’s winning foursome was Dan Salzillo, RJ Tassoni, Joe Grasso, and Jon Verdecchia. The runners-up were Dave Vescera, Brian Crum, Paul Pennine, and Mark Capaldi.

There was no women’s division Saturday, as the JMCE opted to have a co-ed division that was won by Joe and Audrey Jorge and Jeannie Daluz and Mark Cifelli. Second place went to Keith Julian, Andrea DiGregorio, and Kim and Randy Kosh.

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