Though it’s usually the other way around in Hudson County, in a couple of weeks someone will have the lucky chance to have a local politician – or at least his painstaking, creative work – in the palm of their hand.
Beautifully hand-crafted golf clubs, designed and handmade by Weehawken Councilman-at-Large Robert Zucconi, are just one of many prizes that will be given out at the seventh annual Weehawken Golf Outing on Aug. 11.
The outing will take place at the Wild Turkey Golf Course at the Crystal Springs Golf Resort. All proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Weehawken Volunteer First Aid Squad (WVFAS). Last year over $11,000 was raised for the squad and this year they’re hoping for more of the same.
‘The people in Weehawken know that when they have an emergency, the squad is always there.’ – Jeff Welz.
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Even if you don’t play golf, he said, there’s still plenty to do at the sprawling Sussex County reserve, which he likened more to the Colorado Rocky Mountains than New Jersey.
Good deal for a good cause
For a $150 fee, golfers will get a round of golf with a complimentary golf cart, banquet dinner, and special door prizes.
Not only is it a bargain deal for a day of golf, but the money raised goes to a great cause – supporting an essential service in the community.
“The people in Weehawken know that when they have an emergency, the squad is always there,” Welz said. “We provide a valuable service and it’s a very professional service, even though it’s volunteers.”
The WVFAS, one of only two volunteer first aid squads left in the county, doesn’t charge for its ambulance services – for which many Weehawken residents have been thankful when an emergency arose.
Where the money goes
While the township supports a large portion of the operating costs for the squad (including insurance, gasoline, and utilities), Welz said that community donations help purchase “soft costs” like uniforms and medical supplies.
“We rely on donations from the community,” said Welz. “The money goes a long way.”
Welz, who has been the squad president for 40 years, said he never thought it would last as long as it has, and attributes the success of WVFAS to the support of the mayor, Township Council, and the community.
“I think the community feels like a part of [the squad] because their support keeps the ambulance going,” he said. “This is a great way of supporting it but also having a fun day.”
Not into golf? No problem
If golfing isn’t your bag, there are plenty of other things to do at Crystal Springs, Welz said. You can swim, play tennis, or kick your feet up and get a pedicure.
Non-golfer packages (similarly priced to the golfer’s package) include a woman’s or men’s mani-pedi with dinner, facials, a signature massage, or a ticket to join the rest of the crew at dinner.
Extras can be added such as a mountain hike, tennis, and racquetball (complete with lessons if you need them).
Everyone’s a winner
If anyone is lucky enough to hit a hole-in-one they’ll be awarded with a trip to Las Vegas. But there are plenty of prizes for those who take a few more swings to get to the hole.
After the golf round, an awards dinner will be held where prizes will be presented. Awards will be given for the longest drive of the day, the closest to the pin, and the lowest all-around score.
Off the course, a raffle will be held for prizes like a 37-inch high-definition television and special packages from local businesses.
“Over the last few years everyone has walked away with a prize,” said Welz.
Everyone who participates will also get a “swag bag” of sorts from the WVFAS which includes trinkets like golf towels and water.
How to participate
Attendees who will participate in the golf outing can bring a team of four, or a team will be put together for them. Other registration options are available for those not participating in the golfing portion of the event.
The first 20 people to register will receive a voucher for a free round of golf at Great Gorge Country Club. And those who register online at http://golf.wvfas.org will receive a one-year subscription to Golf Digest Magazine. All registrations must be received by Aug. 9.
Registration the day of the event begins at 11:30 a.m. with a 1 p.m. shotgun start.
For more details contact Numargo Vasquez at (201) 773-7614 or visit www.wvfas.org.
Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.