The 33rd Annual Higgins Golf Classic, presented by BD and Greenberg Traurig, took place on Monday, June 19, 2023. It was a beautiful day at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club in Bedminster, NJ when, for first time ever, SONJ hosted 308 golfers on all three prestigious courses that the club offers, including the Meadow, River and Forest Course.
On the courses, golfers were welcomed by Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) athletes, Catherine Reischman, Lindsay Fulop, Bobby Fredricks & Johnny McCormack at the Meet the SONJ Golfer locations. Many participants benefited by using the SONJ golfer drive as their first shot!
Two SONJ Unified Foursomes including: Tom & Elizabeth Abazia, Lindsay Allen and Erik Brodowski, as well as, Joe & Luke Conticchio and Ryan & Tony Musciotto enjoyed the day while playing a modified format.
Guests enjoyed tips from the NJPGA, gifts from Southern Tide, fun contest holes, including a very popular Air Cannon Shot, camaraderie with friends and colleagues, a silent online auction and raffle which included fabulous experiences, foursomes at top New Jersey golf courses, sports & entertainment tickets and more.
After a great day of golf, committee Chairman, Jeff George addressed the group as emcee, followed by President & CEO of SONJ, Heather Andersen, who shared some history about the event and introduced Candie Higgins Sorensen who participated in the event with her husband and some friends. Fan favorite and SONJ athlete, Ireland Kosco spoke and shared stories about her involvement with SONJ. Sponsors were recognized with awards as well.
Thank you to our in-kind sponsors, Pin High Vodka, 1776 by David Burke, Maplecrest Ford, Ed Shannon, John Stark & Legend Cigars, Shawmut Design & Construction, WB Wood, Metrographics and PUMA, who all provided services that truly enhanced the event.
This year’s Higgins Classic was the largest one to date and raised over $175,000, all to benefit thousands of SONJ athletes and Unified partners across the Garden State.