Annual Golf Outing Supports County-Wide Charity

Golfers of all ages and backgrounds, from teenagers to mayors and police chiefs, participated Thursday at the Green Brook Country Club in the annual tournament to benefit The Bridge.

In its 13th year, the event drew approximately 40 participants, including Al Konner of Livingston, and benefited the Caldwell-based non-profit agency that assists underprivileged area residents who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction and other challenges such as mental health issues. The Bridge is funded by the state and county, among others.

Stanford L. Brown, the executive director of The Bridge, said the agency that began in 1971 assists approximately 300 Essex County families.

"Regardless of means, people can receive a high quality of care with the highest level of dignity," said Brown, who lives in Montclair.  

According to Brown, the tournament was expected to raise more than $10,000, which is about half of what it typically brought in before the recession.

"We consider the money raised now as dog dollars," Brown said. "It's like seven dollars per dollar."

Fred Lee's 74 was the lowest gross individual score, while Harris Podvey had the lowest net with a 72 and also garnered the longest drive of the day. The lowest team score was a combined 295 by Lee, Tony Ambrosio and Vincent Jiovino. 

"They are everyday heroes," Brown said of the participants. "These are the people who show up to do what's necessary in the community to make sure everybody does well. It was a fun evening and Green Brook is spectacular."