Download NEPVA Golf Classic - 2012 Golf Packet

NEPVA Sebastian DeFrancesco Golf Classic

Summer-like weather settled into New England for the 2011 Memorial Day weekend, and continued into Tuesday, May 31 for the 20th Annual NEPVA Golf Tournament. With warm temperatures, bright sun, and a clear blue sky, golfers were anxious to get out on the course at beautiful Blue Hill Country Club in Canton, MA. As usual, golfers registered at 11:30 am, received complimentary shirts, fleece jackets and hats, and then proceeded to the buffet luncheon before the 1:00 pm shotgun start. Tournament Coordinator Frank Furber did another outstanding job running the tournament, even though sponsorships were down again this year due to the still struggling economy. Special guests at this year’s tournament included Honorary Chairman New England Patriots Hall of Fame Quarterback Steve Grogan, New England Patriots Tight End Rob Gronkowski, and Comedian Steve Sweeney.

Throughout the luncheon and later during dinner, our customary prize drawing attracted a lot of interest with some very special prizes this year. These included: three sets of two American Airlines tickets for travel in Europe and the U.S. (compliments of Jesse Faulkner); four tickets to see Kenny Chesney at Gillette Stadium with VIP parking; and a Tom Brady autographed football (both were compliments of the New England Patriots); Green Fees and Carts for foursomes at Maplegate Country Club and Blue Hill Country Club; an overnight stay and Sunday Brunch at the Holiday Inn, Mansfield, MA; a Men’s mountain bike; and gift certificates to the Blue Hill Country Club pro shop.

Additional prizes were auctioned off at dinner time. These prizes were generously donated by the New England Patriots organization: Four tickets to see Taylor Swift at Gillette Stadium with VIP parking, and 2 Regular Season tickets to a New England Patriots football game. Our Honorary Chairman, Steve Grogan, donated an autographed football jersey, which was also auctioned off. A 50/50 Drawing was also held during dinner, with the winner walking away with over $400.

After lunch, golfers headed out to their starting holes. Out on the course, there were some special prize holes. Several holes featured prizes for “Closest to the Pin” shots. Other individual holes featured a “Betting Hole,” “Longest Drive Hole,” and two holes offered a chance to win $10,000 for a “Hole in One.” One $10,000 prize hole was sponsored by Frank Furber, John Wagner and Dennis Sullivan; the other was sponsored by NEPVA. Once again this year, the “Volvo Hole in One” hole offered a two year lease on a 2011 Volvo, courtesy of Village Automotive Group. Unfortunately, there were no “hole in one” winners. However, one golfer came within eight inches of winning a $10,000 hole in one.

At about 5:30 pm, golfers returned to the clubhouse for the cocktail hour and dinner. As guests sat down with dinner, Frank Furber took the podium and introduced a returning special guest, comedian Steve Sweeney. Steve did a short comedy routine which everyone enjoyed. Following this, Frank and Mary Furber announced the tournament winners. These included: Third place, Brett Chambers and his foursome from Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc; Second Place, Matt Piekarski and his foursome from the New England Patriots organization; and First Place, John Gibbs and his foursome from Adtran. All winners received engraved silver trophy bowls. The 50/50 Drawing winner was then announced, followed by the Prize Drawing, and a live auction was then held for the additional prizes mentioned earlier.

Following the drawings and auction, NEPVA President Craig Cascella came to the podium to express his gratitude to all of the event sponsors and volunteers. Craig then presented Frank Furber with a plaque in appreciation for his 20 years of directing the NEPVA Annual Golf Tournament. Craig spoke briefly about how this annual event has funded advances in spinal cord injury research at Yale University and expressed his thanks to the companies who have supported us year after year.

With the great weather, everyone seemed to enjoy their day. Our thanks go out to everyone who attended for their support and participation.