YMCA plans golf outing

Jim Downing will be honored at annual fundraiser Hardyston — The Sussex County YMCA is preparing for its eighth annual golf outing fundraiser to be held on Wednesday, May 19 at the Ballyowen course in Hardyston. Long-time community supporter and champion for the YMCA, Jim Downing of Downing’s Furniture in Sparta, will be the event’s honoree. Over 120 golfers and 40 volunteers are expected to participate, raising funds that support the many community benefits provided by the Sussex County YMCA. The Macaluso Group, a pharmaceutical marketing company located in Fairfield, is again a tournament sponsor. Other event sponsors include: Downing’s Ideal Weight Loss Clinic, Carlson’s Custom Creations, Eastern Propane, Lakeland Bank and Downing’s Furniture. The YMCA continues to provide several sponsorship opportunities to area businesses ranging from Scholarship Sponsor at $5,000 to Tee Sign Sponsor at $100. There are many categories in between, including Dinner Sponsor, Golf Carts Sponsor, Putting Green Sponsor and more. The YMCA is also seeking items to be donated for its silent auction at the event’s reception. Everyone is invited to participate in this event that is a play-your-own-ball tournament format. A foursome birdie package at $1,100 includes golf, breakfast, reception, dinner and one tee sign. A one player package at $275 includes golf, breakfast, reception and dinner. Guests are also invited to attend just the reception and dinner for $75. Y offers financial help to children, families In 2009, the YMCA was able to provide $297,477 in direct financial assistance to children, families, individuals and seniors which permitted them to participate in the many programs and services offered by the YMCA. This included sending 113 children to summer camp and enrolling 31 children in child care programs Over 50 children participated in programs including swim lessons and youth sports and 170 individuals and/or families received assistance with membership. Sussex County YMCA Board Member and Golf Outing Committee Chair Bud Luthman said of the event, We are so happy that our friend Jim Downing agreed to be our event honoree. He’s been on the Y’s board of managers even before the ground-breaking of the Hardyston facility in 2004. He does so much for the Sussex County community and naturally possesses the Y’s core values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility. Ironically, Jim professes not to be a good golfer, yet has been very involved with this outing over the years. As a matter of fact, it was his idea to choose honorees not aware that this year the committee would choose him.” “I’m flattered to be this year’s honoree,” said Downing. “And I look forward to seeing our many long-time supporters again and welcoming new faces. We’ll have a lot of laughs I’m sure at my expense on how I can hit the ball far, but not straight. But, the game becomes secondary to the time spent with good friends for a good cause.” For more information on sponsorship, tickets or donations, call the YMCA’s Welcome Center at 973-209-9622 or visit them in Hardyston at 15 Wits End Road.