Sussex County YMCA Golf Outing Raises Over $43K for Financial Aid, Community Programs

By: Mollie Shauger | Tuesday, July 2, 2024 | News

Golfer putting ball.

HAMBURG, NJ - The Sussex County YMCA hosted its 22nd Annual Golf Outing on May 22 at the award-winning Ballyowen Golf Club, drawing 90 golfers and raising a net total of $43,423 to help reduce the cost of Y programs for children, families, and adults in the community.

“It’s truly inspiring to witness the community unite in support of the Y’s mission. We deeply appreciate the dedication of the players, donors, staff, and volunteers who have consistently backed the Y throughout this annual event. The funds raised will significantly impact the lives of those who rely on the Y, not just for fitness, but also for chronic disease prevention, cancer recovery programs, after-school child care, essential swim lessons, and numerous other vital services,” said Dan Elwell, Chief Development Officer for the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, including 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 2023, 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.

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 this year’s successful event, more people will be able to participate in our programs at affordable costs, because financial concerns should never stand in the way of being part of the Y,” said Corey Brown, Executive Director of the Sussex County Y. 

This year’s Golf Outing honored Bruce Bagdan for his integral role in the Sussex County Y’s nearly 50-year history. The outing also paid homage to the late Raymond W. Cordts, a champion of numerous community causes and a former Golf Outing Committee member and past honoree, with the return of the Raymond W. Cordts Memorial Golf Ball Cannon. 

The event was sponsored by Optimum. Other major sponsors included Lakeland Bank, First Hope Bank, Perona Farms, the Macaluso Family, Your Diet Guy, RoNetco Supermarkets, Nielsen Automotive Group, and Chiesa, Shahinian, & Giantomasi, and Glenn Jones Insurance. 

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.

###

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.