The 17th Annual Catholic Charities Golf Tournament held Sept. 12 was a day filled with gratitude, food, fun and reflection.  

Upon arrival at Great Neck Country Club in Waterford, golfers checked in to find a delicious BBQ lunch and complimentary hand-rolled cigars.  Bishop Michael Cote opened the tournament with a message of gratitude to all our sponsors and golfers.  His message was followed by the beautiful music of a bagpiper, sponsored by Dr. and Mrs. Christopher Lipinski. The couple paid tribute to Ralph Monaco, who started the tournament 17 years ago, and Ray Castaldi of Castaldi Financial Solutions, who passed away on May 17. Ray, a faithful supporter of Catholic Charities, was also a player and sponsor of the tournament every year.  

The golfers were treated on the course to free beverages by Tito’s Vodka and Viva Tequila Seltzer and enjoyed snacks by Community Snacks. M.J. Sullivan Auto delivered a beautiful red Buick to display as the Hole in One Sponsor and we are so grateful to Shop Rite of Norwich and New London and Harp and Dragon as our Premier Sponsors again this year.  Also, many thanks to Crest Mechanical, the Mortimer Family of Great Neck Country Club, Chelsea Groton Bank and Conway, Londregan, Sheehan and Monaco, P.C. for their generous sponsorships and support. The tournament also wouldn’t be complete without the generosity of the numerous hole and tee sponsors who brought more excitement to each hole.  

After the tournament, the golfers returned to Langley’s for a light bite while collecting their raffle and silent auction items, donated by so many generous businesses throughout the Norwich Diocese.   

The team of Fr. Kevin Reilly of St. Patrick Church in Mystic, Merritt McDonough and Greg and Jeff Battiston were the winners of the day, taking first place in the tournament.  Defending champs Todd Pavin, Matt Talbot, Tom Fontaine and Jason Carillo placed a close second and the Impellitteri-Malia team placed third.

Many, many thanks to all who helped make our day a great success.  This event is the largest fundraiser that Catholic Charities holds all year and it helps us to continue our mission of “Providing Help and Creating Hope” to our vulnerable neighbors in New London, Windham, Tolland and Middlesex Counties.

By Sally Velcofsky