SPIRIT OF CJ FOUNDATION Golf Tournament Not Dampened by Rain & Chilly Weather. Tournament Raises $12,500.00 For Charity
The Spirit of CJ Foundation held its annual charity golf tournament on May 16, 2008, at the Traditions golf course in Wallingford. Despite the rain and the chill, 108 loyal and light-hearted golfers weathered the conditions playing golf. Afterwards, a sumptuous Italian style dinner followed where golfers and non-golfing families and friends attended. Boppers DJ’s again provided the entertainment and sound system under the beautifully constructed outdoor pavilion at the Traditions golf course. This was the 4th annual tournament in memory of CJ Carrozzella who died at the age of 17 from injuries he received in a motor vehicle accident in 2003. At the time of his death CJ was a Junior at Xavier High School in Middletown. His family founded this tax-exempt 501©(3) foundation in his memory.
The Foundation’s Trustees are pleased to report that this year’s tournament raised $12,500.00!!! The proceeds benefited the Wallingford Junior Football League, the Wallingford Public Library Capital Campaign expansion, the Wallingford YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, and Xavier High School. Taking into account the $12,500.00 raised from this year’s tournament, the Foundation now has contributed over $45,000.00 to local charitable organizations since its inception. The Foundation’s philosophy is to make contributions consistent with the philosophy and spirit of CJ. Future beneficiaries will be other charitable organizations, kids, and families which in one way or another had an impact on CJ’s life in sports, performing arts, and dance-related activities.
At a recent victory celebration for the Wallingford YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, the Spirit of CJ Foundation received its Strong Partner Award. The Wallingford Public Library recently held its dedication celebrating its multimillion dollar capital expansion. The Foundation’s contribution to the expansion consisted of a $10,000 donation for a staff office in the children’s section. This Fall the Wallingford Junior Football League will dedicate its concession stand with a plaque in memory of CJ. The Xavier High School performing arts scholarship established in CJ’s memory is now close to $20,000.00.
Besides the dedicated golfers who play in this event year after year, we are grateful and blessed to have the support of many generous sponsors and benefactors who have made our Foundation one of their charitable priorities. Their support is sincerely appreciated! We would like to recognize and give special thanks to this year’s Dinner Sponsor, “Dinner Brought to you by The Lunch Club” and all of the real persons who make up the Lunch Club. The Lunch Club has been a major sponsor in all four (4) tournaments. All of our sponsors for the past 4 golf tournaments are listed on our website at www.spiritofcj.org. Finally, the Foundation wishes to recognize as well the numerous volunteers who took a day off from work to help make the tournament another tremendous success. For additional information about our Foundation or to make a donation, please contact one of our Trustees, Christopher Carrozzella at 203-284-1445 or Elisa Sczurek at 203-237-2218 or visit our website.
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