HUNTINGTON, NY, September 29, 2016  –  Pat LaFontaine hosted his annual CiC Foundation Golf Classic at Huntington Country Club on Long Island and helped raise money and awareness for the organization that now serves 50,000 patients per year in hospitals throughout North America.

The date of the event was bumped up one week to accommodate LaFontaine’s invite to participate in a conference on Sports, Faith and Humanity at the Vatican on October 5-7. To commemorate that extraordinary event, a 3’ x 2’ photo of Pope Francis was ubiquitous throughout the Golf Classic.

Jim Johnson, Jim Smoot and Pope Francis

LaFontaine spoke about some very special pediatric patients who have been helped by the CiC Foundation over the last decade. He said, “Coming together for this one special day means so much to the children that we help. I am honored by your involvement.”

Randy Hinden of DuroDyne Corporation served as “Franchise” sponsor for the event. Guests were also treated to the debut of the 2014 vintage of Pinot Line – the handcrafted Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. The wine is created by Three Monkeys Wine of Napa, with proceeds from the sale of the wine benefiting the CiC Foundation.

Keith Washington, CEO of TVR Communications spoke about a pilot program being developed between his firm and CiC Foundation to create a Lion’s Den video network. TVR’s flagship product is called PCARE and they provide bedside programming in hospitals throughout North America – including at Cohen Children’s Hospital on Long Island. Washington showed a brief animated video clip that transformed LaFontaine into an animated superhero interacting with pediatric patients. The hope is to create unique content that can augment the benefits of Lion’s Den Rooms and also introduce Companions in Courage to hospitals without available space to install a Lion’s Den Room.

Jim Johnson, executive director of Companions in Courage was recognized at the dinner with the foundation’s Pioneer Award. He shared his story of having been diagnosed with cancer just after last year’s Golf Classic. He told of a winter spent going to daily radiation and weekly chemo sessions. Johnson said that he drew on the support of many in the room and especially the pediatric patients who benefit from the work of the charity as his inspiration.

LaFontaine led a contingent of celebrities that featured fellow Hockey Hall of Famer Clark Gillies. The field of celebrities included former NBA star Wally Szczerbiak, his dad Walter Szcerbiak, and hockey’s Benoit Hogue, Bob Nystrom, Pat Jablonski and Steve Webb.

Clark Gavin, a guest of CiC Board member Jerry Wood, was the overall champ on the course, shooting a 68. He won in a match of cards with AKS International’s Johnny Glavinic. Brian Callery, a guest of Sean McAuley, won the Long Drive contest with a bomb on Hole # 7, while McAuley won the Closest-to-the-Pin contest (16”) on Hole #3.

The foursome captained by Rob MacInnis – including Pat Jablonski, Dave Bowen and Jim Keck took the low gross team honors with a score of 62. By a single stroke, they edged out the team of Wally Szczerbiak, Mike Madden, Zoran Grgas and Johnny Glavinic.

Raffle sponsors helped contribute to the generation of several thousand additional dollars this year. Donors included: Dean Phillippis of Piccolo and Mill Pond House Restaurants, Rick Profit and The Paramount in Huntington, Joe McMahon Family Foundation, the New York Islanders, The Space at Westbury, Frank Bellizzi and Three Monkeys Wine, and The Engeman Theatre – “1776.”

LaFontaine thanked the Franchise Sponsor – Randy Hinden of DuroDyne Corporation. He also thanked Major Sponsors that included the Heagerty Family Foundation, Edward Hall Insurance, Rob MacInnis, Striano Electric, Lombardi Design, NHL Enterprises, Walsh Construction, Ferreiro Construction, Harbor Irrigation, Botto Mechanical, AKS International; Sean McAuley, Jerry Wood, Gundermann & Gundermann, NFP Insurance, Patti & Sons, Inc., Automated Healthcare Solutions, DNJ Logistics, TVR Communications and G2d Development Corporation. LaFontaine further extended thanks to Rob MacInnis for sponsoring the Premium Cigars, Jerry Wood for sponsoring the Texas Hold ’em Tournament, Ralph Nabavi of DNJ Logistics for sponsoring the Gifts and Jim Botto of Botto Mechanical for sponsoring the Caddies.