September 30, 2024

HUNTINGTON, NY, September 26, 2024  –  The 21^st gathering of the Companions in Courage Family at the foundation’s annual Golf Classic was one that attendees won’t soon forget. In addition to honoring one of the foundation’s greatest all-time volunteers, the group was able to “assist” an artist who has contributed to the organization for decades, and they announced four new Lion’s Den projects!

The highlight of the dinner was when long-time volunteer, Cheryl Brown was recognized with the 2024 Clark Gillies Pioneer Award. Pat LaFontaine spoke lovingly of how he met the Brown family more than 40 years ago while a teenager playing for the Islanders at Cantiague Park in Hicksville. He wound up playing video games in the Brown’s Hicksville living room with young Clinton – a boy who needed more than 30 surgeries to correct a rare congenital bone issue.

The hockey player and the family became life-long friends, and Cheryl vowed to always do whatever she could to support LaFontaine’s charity. There were not many dry eyes in the room when Cheryl, her husband Clinton and son finished their remarks.

Michigan artist Paul Madden created another of his one-of-a-kind commemorative original drawings featuring Pat LaFontaine’s career spanning time on Long Island, Buffalo and in with the Rangers. Unlike in any other year though, there was a twist. Madden has recently been diagnosed with a Stage IV kidney ailment and may face the need for a transplant. All participants at the Golf Classic were encouraged to hit Madden’s “Go Fund Me “page and donate. All donors that day were placed in a raffle and a winner was awarded the original piece of art. Generous companions more than tripled Madden’s existing donations and Nick Patti, Jr. was declared winner of the piece.

The day was filled with other poignant moments, including traditional tributes (at Amen Corner and at the post-event dinner) to CiC Foundation supporters who have passed in the last year. Long-time supporter Mike Sherin sadly joined the list this year. Remembered with love were Clark Gillies, Mike Bossy, Jean Potvin, Rod Gilbert, Guy Lafleur, Gerry Hart and friends of the foundation that included Rusty McCormick, Terry Sheerin, Tony Trombino, Danny Brown, Flo Gries and John LaFontaine.

Executive Director (obviously fresh off a win at Augusta) Jim Johnson provided a review of activities the foundation has participated in during the last year. He cited the refurbishment of the Lion’s Den Room at Goryeb Children’s at Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey. He updated the group on the Lion’s Den Room that will be opened later this year at Yale New Haven Children’s.

He then discussed two new projects. Mary & Mike Heagerty wanted to create a legacy gift near Mike’s hometown in Central New York. They have committed to create a Lion’s Den Room at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse. The foundation is also in the process of creating another Lion’s Den at Good Samaritan Hospital in Islip on Long Island.

LaFontaine welcomed former Islanders and teammates Bob Nystrom, Butch Goring, Benoit Hogue, Steve Webb and Randy Wood. Broadcast Hall of Famer Jiggs McDonald also participated. The celebrities included former NBA star Wally Szczerbiak and his dad Walter Szczerbiak. Every participant received a copy of Buzz Deschamp’s new book, “A Stick in the Window.” The local hockey legend provided a personal inscription and autograph in every book.

Clark Gavin of the Jerry Wood foursome posted the Men’s Individual Low Gross. Kenzie Maloney of Collins Building Services (and the Islanders) took the Women’s Low Gross Award.

Adam Frimmer (2’ 2”) won the Closest-to-the-Pin contest on Hole #12. Peter Guetig and Kenzie Maloney took the Long Drive awards on Hole #7 for Men and Women respectively. Adam Frimmer won the Beat the Pro contest in a post round putt off. He took home a 1.75 bottle of Clase Azul Tequila, courtesy of Lowell Supran.

The foursome from Northwestern Mutual – that included Chris Andricopoulos, Giovanni Filippone, Andrew Mitchell and Peter Guetig took the low gross team honors. They bested the runner-up The Port View Leasing team – Adam & Brian Frimmer, Thomas Stremich and Sean Sullivan.

LaFontaine thanked the Franchise sponsors – Lombardi Design & Manufacturing, Hess Associates and One80 Intermediaries and Edward Hall Insurance. He also thanked the Major sponsors that included the Heagerty Family Foundation, Port View Leasing, Striano Electric, the McAuley Family Foundation, Patti Spray Fireproofing, Simplifi Medical, the Croatian-American Foundation, the Michael McCarthy Foundation, John Moran CPA, the Unsung Siblings Foundation, ANRON, Northwestern Mutual, New York Islanders, NFP Corporation, McMahon Foundation, Classic Auctions, Rob MacInnis, Jerry Wood, Kevin & Tim Sheerin.

LaFontaine also thanked Steve Hess of Hess Associates for sponsoring the Cocktails and Dinner;  Jim Buzzetta of Mercedes of Huntington for sponsoring the Hole-in-One contest; Ken Delaney for sponsoring Brunch, Scott Paternoster of Chief Media for sponsoring the Caddies; Jerry Wood for sponsoring the Texas Hold’em Tournament;  Rob MacInnis for sponsoring the Premium Cigars; and Lowell Supran of Clase Azul Spirits for sponsoring Beat-the-Pro.

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