To the Editor:
On September 14 the Ray Greaves Civic Association hosted the Third Annual Jeffrey T. Farley Kids Sportsfest at Stephen R. Gregg’s Hudson County Park.
The event was once again very successful, with hundreds of children participating as we paid homage and respect to the memory of Jeffrey T. for all his selfless contributions to the youth of Bayonne.
The Sportsfest wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support of so many friends and volunteers.
I want to thank the Farley Family: AJ, Heidi, and Kristen for their support and allowing us to honor Jeff’s legacy.
To all members of the Ray Greaves Association, especially Thomas TJ Johnston, who once again put his heart and soul into making sure everything was done to ensure another spectacular event. I can’t thank TJ enough!
To my other board members for their time, effort, and support: Kenneth Kopacz, Keith Makowski, Matt Dorans, Jennifer Greaves, Greg Czerwienski, Debbie Noble, Ben Costanza, and John “Coach” Calcaterra. You made it happen and you always make it look so easy. I’m extremely grateful.
Special thanks to the many volunteers and those who organized and ran the sport clinics. In basketball, Coach Jack Hladik, JJ Hladlik, and Mickell Taylor. Soccer, Coach John Calcaterra, the Bayonne Futsal League, and Match Fit Academy. Volleyball, the BHS Girls Volleyball team. They all did a fantastic job and the children who participated received some of the best techniques in the game. What can I say, your support and dedication to the community is priceless!
I also want to recognize the following people, entities, businesses, and organizations for their support and participation: Mayor Mark Smith, Members of the Municipal Council, Assemblyman Jason O’Donnell, Bayonne Freeholder Doreen DiDomenico, Former Councilman Ben Costanza, The County of Hudson, Alyssa from the BHS Choir, Amalgamated Transit Union, ATU Locals 726, 820, 825, ATU NJ State Council, Bayonne Chapter of UNICO, Bayonne Fire Canteen, Bayonne Little League, Bayonne PAL, Bayonne’s FMBA, PBA, Chief’s Ralph Scianni and Gregory Rogers, BCB, Big Apple, Bilotta Construction, Buddy Klimkowski, B. Dellabella Family, Gary Chmielewski, Jooches Deli, Ken’s Marine, Marguerite Baber, Mark Duffy, Mary Beth “Paparazzi” Golden, Mary Kay Tokar Happy Faces, Mickey McCabe, Mike Petrakian, NAPA Auto Parts, IUOE-Local 68 Thomas P. Giblin, Pete Amadeo, PSEG, Red Bulls Soccer and Goalkeeper Santiago Castano, Ringside Lounge, San Vito’s, Vito Spano, Vincent Virga and Will Lawson.
I couldn’t be any prouder or appreciative of everyone for their efforts and contributions. I’m sure Jeffrey T. is smiling as he continues to instill in us, not only the desire to give back to our community, but a passion to see to it that our children are all given every opportunity to succeed in life.
RAY GREAVES