The Alternative Press

SPARTA, NJ – Nearly 120 golfers participated in the 35^th Annual Johnny Rizzo Golf Outing at Sky View Golf Club today, and raised $32,500 to benefit Saint Clare’s Hospital, Sussex.

“It was a good day, incredible,” said Bill Snouffer, the Tournament Chair, and event emcee. Snouffer is the General Manager for the Nielsen Automotive Group.

“We’ve been watching the weather for three days, this was my biggest worry,” Snouffer continued. “The sun just lit up the sky at about 11am.”

The golfers kicked off their day with brunch, and wrapped it up with dinner, and a raffle of items such as flat screen televisions, DVD players, Keurig Coffee Brewers, golf bags, gift baskets, Yankee tickets, a cruise, and more, before the presentation of the check.

The golf outing was started in memory of Johnny Rizzo, a local boy who could not get the emergency care needed at a facility outside of the area, and he passed away. His father, Jack Rizzo, was determined no one else would experience the same difficulty, and has been vigilant in raising funds to support Saint Clare’s Hospital Sussex, to ensure local residents receive the services they need.

Eric Nielsen, President of Nielsen Automotive Group, who has been supportive of both the Johnny Rizzo Golf Outing and Saint Clare’s Health System, received the 2012 Jack Rizzo Leadership Award, for his continued support.

“Over the course of the records, Eric’s probably responsible for donations in excess of $700,000,” said Jeff Lamie, Chief Development Officer and Executive Director of the Saint Clare’s Foundation.

Lamie also praised Snouffer, and presented him with an award as well for his contributions to the event.

“Bill has been such a champion in Sussex, and has grown it to such a spectacular level,” Lamie said. “Every dollar raised will be for Sussex.”

“I think it’s great the support given to me, and Eric Nielsen by a lot of our friends, and people we do business with,” Snouffer continued. “It makes me feel special they support the event that has been so dear to me for so many years.”

In addition to Snouffer as the Tournament Chair, Jack Rizzo was the Honorary Chair, and other members of the Golf Outing Committee were: Dr. Roxanne Debski-Seigel, Lisa Drake, Jim English, Jeannette Fedorka, Pam Geiger, Kevin Houghtaling, Patricia McGrogan, R.N., Lori McNeil, Jerry Morelli, Janice Rizzo, and Linda Schurmann.

Sponsors for the event included: Nielsen Automotive Group, and Northeast Business Center of Chrysler Corporation (Title Sponsor); Service Metal Fabricating, Inc, and Industrial Solutions, LLC (Dinner Sponsor); Ally Financial, Northeast Hyundai Dealers Association, and Saint Clare’s Hospital Medical Staff (Brunch Sponsor); Avante Pathology, LLC, Cameron Advertising, Emergency Physicians of Saint Clare’s LLC, F. John Ramsey and Ferguson Funeral Homes (Franklin, Sussex, Vernon), MorganStanley SmithBarney, and Sussex Honda (Corporate Sponsor); Franklin Mutual Insurance Co., Jim Moran & Associates, Inc., and Straus Newspaper (Golf Cart Sponsor); Ames- The Polymer Solutions Company, EMJ Pharma, Inc., Fulco Fulfillment, Inc., Manheaim NY Metro Skyline, Partners Pharmacy, and Saint Clare’s Hospital Medical Staff (Driving Range Sponsor); EMJ Pharma, Inc., Fulco Fulfillment, Inc., and Total Automotive Solutions, LLC (Putting Green Contest Sponsor); A.C. Daughtry, Inc., EMJ Pharma, Inc., Fulco Fulfillment, Inc., and Geeks123 (Beverage Stations Sponsor); Barn Hill Care Center, Inc., Cablevision Advertising Sales, Assemblyman Gary R. Chiusano, EMJ Pharma, Inc., Caren Frankel, CPA, Hospital Central Services, Inc., Asssemblywoman Alison L. McHose, Senator Steven V. Oroho, Plaza Barber Shop, Promo One of NJ Inc., Redcom Engineering & Construction Corp., RoNetco Supermarkets, Inc., RSK & Associates, Service Electric Cable TV of NJ, Inc., Titan Dealer Services, LLC, and Valley National Bank (Tee Sponsor); A.C. Daughtry, Inc., Avante Pathology, LLC, Creative Media Associates, Mr. Joseph Durina, Jr., Franklin Sussex Auto Body, Inc., K.E.E.P. Inc., Mr. Brian R. Lipp, media Maker Video Productions, Peretore & Peretore, Redcom Engineering & Construction Corp., Total Automotive Solutions, LLC, Ihsan Uygur, MD, Valley National Bank, Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Wilpert, and Mr. and Mrs. Ken and Sandy Winters (Supporters); Clear Channel Media + Entertainment, Comcast Spotlight, Mugs Media, LLC, and The New Jersey Herald (Media Sponsors), Franklin Sussex Auto Mall Inc., and Franklin Sussex Hyundai (Hole-In-One Sponsors); and Bradford Renaissance Portraits, Clear Channel Media + Entertainment, Comcast Spotlight, Costco, Crystal Springs Resort, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Franklin Sussex Auto Mall Inc., Franklin Sussex Hyundai, Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Foundation, Kramer Portraits, Lake Mohawk Golf Club, Lakeland Bank, Mohawk House, Morris Museum, Mugs Media, LLC, Mystic Seaport, New Jersey Devils, NJPR Hospital & Medical Support Services, The New Jersey Herald, Perona Farms, Quick Chek, Redcom Engineering & Construction Corp., Straus Newspaper, Tomahawk Lake, Inc., Weis Markets Franklin, and Wooden Duck Bed & Breakfast (In-Kind Contributors).

“The golf course did a nice job,” Snouffer added. Sean Van Sickle, Golf Pro is phenomenal, and Mike Lee the Greenskeeper kept the golf course in excellent shape.”

“A lot of the same faces have been back every single year,” Snouffer concluded. “It [$32,500] was more than I expected, and that amount surprised me. The golfers made the difference today and took it over the top.”

Click here to learn more about the Saint Clare's Foundation.