Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Autism Program

Written By Allison Freeman

Play golf and benefit children and adults on the autism spectrum at the 2014 Fore the Kids Golf Tournament on Sept. 15 at the Hamilton Farm Golf Club, the site of the 2012 LPGA Match Play Championship. The fourth annual event will bring together golfers, New Jersey businesses, families and friends, all to support The Children’s Institute schools in Livingston and Verona and TCI’s adult program, The Center for Independence.

More than $100,000 was raised last year at the Hamilton Farm Golf Club in Gladstone to support The Children’s Institute (TCI) and its many programs including its growing adult program, The Center for Independence.

A volunteer committee, led by co-chairmen James Hunter of Whippany and Tom Releford of East Hanover and with support from founder Michael Conley of Mendham, hopes to fill the course with 124 golfers committed to making a difference in the lives of children and adults served by TCI. The event was so popular last year that there was a waiting list of nearly 20 golfers. This year, to expand options, the par-three Hickory Course has been added to the tournament as an option. As an added bonus to their game, students from TCI’s High School Film Program will capture the golf swings of every participant as they visit one of the holes, which will be shown at the cocktail hour afterwards.

Golfers and guests who register for the event will enjoy brunch, dinner, as well as a silent and live auction.

“The TCI Fore the Kids Golf Tournament is one of the premier special events raising money for The Children’s Institute,” said TCI Director of Development Diane Berry. “Last year’s tournament allowed TCI to provide programs that are extremely important to the growth and development of our students and adults. Our after-school program, over-night trips, scouting, and other programs provide opportunities to develop social, vocational and recreational skills. We’re so thankful to the dedicated volunteer committee members who have shared their time and resources to make the event successful year after year.”

TCI Executive Director/ Superintendent Bruce Ettinger said the golf tournament helps TCI in its efforts to provide children and adults on the spectrum with the programs and services they require to maximize their potential and become productive, contributing members of their communities.

“Through the generosity of our donors, TCI is able to provide the same learning activities and experiences that are provided to students in their local schools, with all of the 21st Century technology, supports and accommodations they need to succeed and offering them ‘a spectrum of opportunities across a lifetime,’” Ettinger said.

To learn more about the programs and services offered at The Children’s Institute, please visit www.tcischool.org. For more information regarding the 2014 Fore the Kids Golf Tournament, please contact Diane Berry, Director of Development at TCI at 973.509.3050 ext.237 or dberry@tcischool.org.