Folks from across the region returned to Mercer Oaks on Aug. 13 for the 12th annual Joshua Classic.
By Jen Samuel, Special Writer
WEST WINDSOR — Folks from across the region returned to Mercer Oaks on Aug. 13 for the 12th annual Joshua Classic.
Each year, the scramble-style tournament raises funds for the Joshua Harr Shane Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in East Windsor Township. In 2011, the event raised $35,000. It was unknown as of press time how much the event raised in 2013.
Despite heavy morning rainfall, the clouds parted by midday as approximately 130 golfers took off in their carts after a shotgun start.
”It was pouring this morning, but, luckily, it is beautiful now,” said Judith Shane of East Windsor.
She founded the organization in 2000 in honor of her late son, Joshua. The foundation works to “bring smiles and hope to others” through supporting children, military families and those in need.
”He was the guy every girl wanted to date,” said Jill Letizia of East Windsor, “and the guy every guy wanted to be friends with (at Hightstown High School).”
A volunteer Tuesday, Ms. Letizia graduated from Hightstown in 2000, a year after Joshua. She described Joshua as kind, friendly and good looking.
After completing his freshman year at Rutgers University, Joshua died in a car crash on his way to volunteer at a Princeton hospital on June 21, 2000. Ms. Letizia recalled it was the day before the Class of 2000 graduated, saying the school community was devastated.
Joshua had dreamt of becoming a doctor, his loved ones have said, adding he always sought to help people in need without hesitation.
”Joshua was very special to us,” said Fran Sucharow of Princeton.
Ms. Sucharow was golfing alongside her husband, Larry Sucharow, on Tuesday afternoon. The pair was honored that evening for their longstanding support of the foundation.
”It’s just a great day to honor Josh’s memory,” said Seth Kohn of East Windsor, who was Joshua’s roommate at Rutgers. “He would be proud of what this event has become.”
Seventy-five volunteers were on hand to ensure the event ran smoothly. Golfers were given foundation bags filled with goodies, including a mini flashlight and portable cooler.
Volunteers included Shane family members — from Joshua’s grandmother, Florence Harr of East Windsor, to his aunt, Susan Pollard of East Brunswick.
To combat the rain, volunteers handed out sleek black umbrellas to participants during registration, which began at 11 a.m.
Joshua was one of four siblings to Judy and Mark Shane. His sisters, Bree and Jessica, also were present Tuesday along with their brother, Brett.
The first Joshua Classic was organized by Bree Shane and family friend Lee Platt.
Mr. Platt recalled that the first year the outing raised $12,000.
”Every year, we beat our mark,” Mr. Platt said as he drove a golf cart through Mercer Oaks. “It’s just phenomenal. It’s extremely humbling.”
Ten members of the military from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst joined the outing this year, many serving as volunteers, including Christian Harrison of Tupelo, Mississippi, and Lindsey Callis of Sacramento, California. The pair oversaw Hole 16 on the course, right near Mercer Lake.
”I was incredibly surprised and grateful,” Mr. Harrison said, recalling when they learned the Joshua Harr Shane Foundation was donating thousands of pieces of golf equipment for troops serving overseas in 2011.
Mr. Harrison, who has been stationed in Iraq, noted soldiers in combat zones feel a “world away.”
Other members of the military took to the green Tuesday. An Air Force foursome was composed of Capt. Gary Billingsley, of Lumberton; senior airman David Koerting, of Southbend, Indiana; Technical Sgt. Theodore Miller, of Mount Holly; and retired Master Sgt. Ron Reese, of Wrightstown.
The foundation sends care packages each month to U.S. servicemen and servicewomen in the Middle East.
”What we do for the military is amazing,” said Steve Fuller, of Long Island. “And that’s important.”
Over the years, the foundation has donated thousands of calling cards to military personnel, for instance.
Mr. Fuller is a former resident of East Windsor and once lived in the same neighborhood as the Shane family.
”He’s the son I never had,” Mr. Fuller said of Joshua. “He wanted to help people. What can I tell you? He was just a great kid. Josh represented what the youth of America — what that potential — should be. Anyone would have been proud to have him as a son.”
Today, Mr. Fuller serves on the board of the Joshua Harr Shane Foundation, writing 200 to 300 letters annually to companies across the nation soliciting donations.
Mr. Fuller said that although the foundation focuses on helping people in Central Jersey and the military, it also extends aid to families in need of help throughout the tri-state area. He said the organization helps kids battling an illness and their families, who may need help paying for a missed mortgage payment.
The top golfers of the day were Rick White and Kevin Coccetti. The longest drive was awarded to Kelly Platt. And the golfer who shot closest to the pin was David Koerting.
The golf outing was followed by a cocktail party and gourmet dinner at which time the winners for the Chinese auction and Joshua Challenge were announced. Prizes ranged from vacation getaways to handmade sweaters.
Ms. Shane said, “The sun came out, and everybody had a wonderful day. Who would have thought that a day that started out with torrential storms could end up so beautiful?”
When the rain cleared, she noted, “Josh was watching out for us.”
The event’s top sponsors were Triangle Copy, of East Windsor; Orange Theory, of West Windsor; Labaton Sucharow LLP; PNC Bank; Essential Pharmaceuticals; Mercedes-Benz at Princeton; and Dayton Toyota.
The American Legion Post 148 of East Windsor made a $500 donation presented by Doug Herrin.
The foundation worked with the American Legion to collect supplies in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, setting up a temporary shelter at Post 148 while residents struggled for a score of November days without electricity.
After power was restored in East Windsor, the foundation and Legion sent the remaining donated goods — five truckloads — to those in need at the Jersey Shore.
”What a great group of people,” Ms. Shane said of the Legion. “We were honored by their donation (and) kind words.”
The foundation also received a check for $5,000 from Stephanie Berez on behalf of Church and Dwight Co. Inc.
”We thank Church and Dwight and Stephanie Berez,” Ms. Shane said.
Near the close of the evening, the winner of the 50-50 raffle was drawn for a cash prize of $750. However, John Kemmerer announced he was giving the money right back to the nonprofit.
”John has been a part of the organization from the beginning. (He’s) always willing to help. He is a great friend, and it is an honor to have him as part of JHSF,” Ms. Shane said of Mr. Kemmerer.
The foundation will hold its third annual St. Patrick’s Day Bash at Mercer Oaks in March. To learn more, visit www.joshuaharrshane.org.