Charity golf outing comes full swing

Give the Kids Hope Foundation has been supporting educational and recreational programs for underprivileged children in New Jersey since 2010. Run by volunteers and supported by fundraising events, the organization’s annual golf outing draws well-known names year after year to give back to this worthy cause.

New York Jets linebacker David Harris, the face of the Give the Kids Hope Foundation, came out to play the world-class course at the Green Book Country Club in North Caldwell, NJ along with many of his teammates and celebrity guests. Foundation founders Stephen Tilton Jr. and Judith Schumacher-Tilton of the Schumacher Chevrolet Auto Group brought in Allison Sargent Events to help make the outing a success.

ASE was responsible for marketing and press support for the day-long event, raising awareness and cultivating major new sponsors such as Investors Savings Bank. They also coordinated event photography and videography, using their extensive vendor connections to find the ideal team for the project

A month prior to the event, ASE coordinated with Jets players to ensure a great turnout. To encourage women’s participation and involvement among non-golfers, ASE joined with David Harris’ wife, Jaili, to host a Girls’ Night Out prior to the outing at Shag86, a salon in Little Falls, NJ. Guests included Jets players’ wives and local women in business who were treated to blow-outs and make-up applications by Shag86’s best stylists and make-up artists while enjoying cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. 

 Amazing local businesses supported the event including: a vodka tasting by Punzone Italian Vodka, Italian food tasting by Toscania Trattoria, jewelry boutique from Stella & Dot and a dessert station from House of Cupcakes, as well as the businesses that donated a variety of silent auction items.

On the day of the event, celebrities and other volunteers arrived at the Green Book Country Club ready to tee off. All golfers received a personalized “Give the Kids Hope” golf shirt, on-course beverages and snacks and invitations to a luncheon, cocktail hour, dinner and awards, admission into contests and a premium player giveaway.

From check-ins to raffles to dinner, ASE took the lead in ensuring a seamless day of activities. They also coordinated the evening’s auction, soliciting high-value items such as footballs signed by Jets players, TVs, golf packages and spa packages to increase the event’s fundraising success. ASE also partnered with premier chef Max Hanson to donate a private dinner for the auction.

Prior to the golf outing, ASE held a luncheon to honor Kevin Cummings of Investors Savings Bank — the recipient of the Spirit of Hope award by Give the Kids Hope. Mr. and Mrs. Tilton presented Mr. Cummings with a custom plaque award for donating a new basketball court to the Give the Kids Hope Foundation’s Camp Hope. ASE loves giving back to clients in support of their goals, so they helped by negotiating special pricing for the building of the basketball court. Mr. Cummings was interviewed on camera about his passion for basketball and giving back to his community. The video was screened at the golf outing’s dinner reception.

The entire day went as planned — exceeding everyone’s expectations. Thanks to the amazing sponsors and volunteers, the Give the Kids Hope Foundation golf outing raised funds to update the swimming pool and build a spray park at Camp Hope in West Milford, NJ.