Golfers Hit the Greens to Support Last Efforts to Raise Funds for Playground in St. Mary’s New Patient Pavilion Set to Unveil in September
St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children’s five year campaign to build a new playground for children with special needs culminated at St. Mary’s 26th Annual Golf Outing held on Monday, July 23rd at Fresh Meadow Country Club.
Over the last five years, St. Mary’s Golf Committee made the commitment that proceeds from the outings will go toward the development of the Golfers for St. Mary’s Playground, a component of the new Patient Pavilion at St. Mary’s Hospital for Children celebrating the grand opening in a few weeks on September 27th. This year’s outing raised over $167,000 to go towards the new playground.
The Golfers for St. Mary’s Playground is a truly exceptional outdoor play area for children of all abilities, with wheelchair accessible play nodes, a putting green, and a sensory play area. The playground is yet another element of St. Mary’s “family centered care,” a healing approach that involves parents, siblings and family members in every step of a child’s treatment.
Golfers were not only treated to relaxing day on a beautifully landscaped golf course overlooking spectacular views, but they were also able to unwind with massages throughout the day. Those women who preferred not to golf enjoyed a few hours of Mahjong and Canasta paired with great conversation and friendships.
After a full day of pure R & R, guests were treated to cocktails and appetizers followed by dinner and a brief program. A live and silent auction with a 50/50 and raffles kept everyone enticed with extravagant prizes.
This year, St. Mary’s was pleased to honor Joseph Gallitto and Steve Squitieri of DJ Ambulette Service. Two cousins, Joe and Steve, learned the value of hard work at an exceptionally young age and driven by their entrepreneurial spirit, sensed the need for dependable, quality transportation in their community. They created Citicar. Then, concerned by the growing needs of a community rich with state-of-the art healthcare facilities, DJ Ambulette Service evolved as a medical transport service serving the elderly and physically challenged, including St. Mary’s Kids.
With a strong commitment to community and giving back, the cousins are staunch supporters of the healthcare industry and are advocates for children with special needs. Joe and Steve have kept St. Mary’s Kids close to their hearts and have been true champions. St. Mary’s was pleased to honor Joseph Gallitto and Steve Squitieri.
