Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee Hosts Annual Erin Open Golf Tournament & Pickleball Clinic

By: Susan Murphy | November 5, 2020 |  Local , Events |  Rumson

Announces 2021 Parade Charity Recipient

With the help of the Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, a host of community activities that will raise awareness and funds for local non-profits is already underway. In September, the Parade Committee hosted its seventh annual Erin Open Golf Tournament and the second annual Pickleball Clinic at the Rumson Country Club. The shotgun tournament began early in the morning with a solemn tribute to honor and remember those lost during 9/11. Following the tournament, clinic and a buffet luncheon, Parade Board President Christopher Neary announced its 2020-2021 beneficiary will be Shore House, which is based in Long Branch. This unique recovery program offers meaningful social, educational, and employment opportunities to restore hope, independence, and self-worth for people living with mental illness.

“More than ever 2020 has shown us that we must work together as community to help build our resilience and weather life’s challenges. We realize that mental health concerns have only increased with a global pandemic and supporting Shore House will help them be a resource for many Monmouth County residents,” noted Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade Board President Christopher Neary. Shore House Board President Peder Hagberg responded, “On behalf of our Board, Staff and the members of Shore House, we’re grateful for the hard work of this incredible group of friends and neighbors, and we value your mission to provide charitable gifts to local organizations.”

Playing the course at the Erin Open were 32 foursomes; while 31 women and one man participated in the second annual Pickleball Clinic. Winners of the Erin Open were: Steve Ball; Marshall Forester; Matt Mckeone; and Joseph Torchiva in first place; Chris Rosenthal; Wes Moore; Chris Vultaggio; and Tyler Brewington in second place; and Mike Romanowski; Chris Toolan; John Browndorf; and Mark del Priore in third place. Longest Drive winner was Chris Sarkis; Closest to Pin was David Wickersham; and Putting Contest Winner was Ben O’Neill. Pickleball Co-Chairs Danie McHugh and Mary Ann Dickson gave Dr. Frank McGuire a “Most Valuable Player” award for his efforts.

Funds raised from the Erin Open, additional Celtic-focused events, corporate sponsorships, donations and a Parade ad journal collectively benefit the designated charity, Shore House and the cost of the parade. The Committee is still in the planning stages for the 2021 Parade and will announce a Grand Marshal later this year. All event information and parade details will be posted on rumsonstpatricksdayparade.org and social media pages.

The Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebrates Irish heritage and provides charitable gifts to local organizations improving the community. To date, the Parade has provided more than $150,000 in support to over 22 local organizations that also strongly believe in the spirit of giving. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, individual donors, corporate sponsors, participants and volunteers, The Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a community event that will continue to give back for decades to come. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Board includes President Christopher R. Neary, Vice President Christian Smith, Secretary Matthew Jones, and Treasurer Michael McEvilly. The Board of Trustees includes Peter Hogan, Mike Maguire, B Carr Mahon, Jamie McManus, Charles Moran, and Craig Shivers.

*All activities were outdoors following health and safety protocols.