The forecast was not bright for the 22^nd Annual Companions in Courage Foundation Golf Classic on September 25^th at Huntington Country Club, but the intrepid group showed up ready to play!

The forecast of 100% rain was no match for the powers of “St. Patrick,” who ensured that we’d have the clouds part and enjoy 18 holes of great golf. While the Ryder Cup – being played just a few miles away at Bethpage Black – modified their schedule, Team COURAGE played on!

Pat LaFontaine welcomed former Islanders and teammates Bob Nystrom, Ed Westfall, Butch Goring, Bryan Trottier, Ken Morrow, Benoit Hogue, Steve Webb, Randy Wood, Joe McMahon and Clark Gillies’ wife, Pam. The celebrities included former NBA star Wally Szczerbiak and his dad Walter Szczerbiak. Every participant received a copy of Morrow’s new book, “Miracle Gold.” The Islanders and 1980 U.S Olympic legend provided a personal inscription and autograph in every book.

Jon Ledecky, part owner of the New York Islanders, brought the house down when he invited all of the former Islanders to the dais. He then announced that Pat LaFontaine would be the newest member of the team’s Hall of Fame. The long-awaited honor will be bestowed on Saturday, December 13^th prior to a matinee against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The foundation also took some time to recognize long-time head PGA Pro James Smoot who was retiring at the end of this golf season. The Huntington pro has made major contributions to the organization over the years, all in support of the kids. Smoot received a plaque from LaFontaine that read, “With sincere appreciation for all of the “assists that have made the Companions in Courage Foundation Golf Classic a “Classic” for years. Presented to true Companion in Courage.”

Another highlight of the dinner was the recognition of Frank Bellizzi, owner of Three Monkeys Wine in Sonoma and the author of the Pinot Line wine select series. He was awarded the prestigious Clark Gillies Pioneer Award by LaFontaine and Nystrom. Bellizzi’s Russian River Pinot Noir has contributed mightily to the foundation’s success since 2012.

Executive Director, Jim Johnson provided an update on the foundation’s projects including the opening of a new Lion’s Den at Yale New Haven and updates on new projects at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip and Upstate Golisano in Syracuse. He also shared news of the 100+ patients who had personalized visits to the North Pole during our Santa Connection and the 500 Stitches LaRoar dolls distributed to pediatric patients.

LaFontaine thanked the Franchise sponsors – Lombardi Design & Manufacturing, Hess Associates, Collins Building Services and One80 Intermediaries and Edward Hall Insurance. He also thanked the Major sponsors that included the Heagerty Family Foundation, Striano Electric, the McAuley Family Foundation & Scott Paternoster, Patti Spray Fireproofing, Simplifi Medical, the Croatian-American Foundation, John Moran CPA, the Unsung Siblings Foundation, Northwestern Mutual, New York Islanders, NFP Corporation, McMahon Foundation, Classic Auctions, Atlantic Contracting, Craftsmen, Inc., Harbor Irrigation, Jerry Wood, Kevin Sheerin & Ken Delaney.

LaFontaine also thanked Steve Hess of Hess Associates for sponsoring the Dinner and Caddies;  Jim Buzzetta of Mercedes of Huntington for sponsoring the Hole-in-One contest; Ken Delaney & Kevin Sheerin for sponsoring Brunch; Jerry Wood for sponsoring the Texas Hold’em Tournament;  and Lowell Supran of Clase Azul Spirits for sponsoring Beat-the-Pro.