JMCE: There will be a cure

There was a sun-splashed special success story written Sunday at historic and picturesque Glocester Country Club in Chepachet.

A limited field of 18 foursomes played 18 holes of golf and raised $7,900 under the banner of the Johnston Memorial Cancer Events that will benefit the Hematology/Oncology Department at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence.

“Now that’s par excellence,” several golfers offered after enjoying the delicious post-tourney dinner served under a tent that overlooked beautiful Waterman Lake and featured chicken parmigiana, pasta marinara, vegetables and roasted potatoes. “We’re honored to be part of such an important event.”

An event that has become a tremendous tradition and “Rite of Fall” at the well-manicured nine-hole 2,564-yard layout – which was founded in 1929 – courtesy of the unmatched special support from GCC’s close-knit and generous membership.

Many GCC members, in fact, have played in the now 5-year-old golf go-round that has taken in upwards of $30,000 for the JMCE’s ongoing fight against cancer that strikes children and are undergoing treatments at the nationally-acclaimed Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

“A great day was had by all,” exclaimed Linda LaFazia, a committee member. “It was a great way to end our year.”

LaFazia, who doubles as the JMCE’s tireless secretary-treasurer, was speaking about the extraordinary non-profits annual fund-raising calendar that has now raised in excess of $200,000 in 11 short years for Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

She further explained that sometime soon a JMCE delegation will be at the Providence-based facility to present its annual check during what will no doubt again be an emotional ceremony with officials at Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

One of those JMCE members will also be Judi Graham, who along with her husband David owns and operate Graham Builders of Smithfield and who founded the GCC Co-Ed Memorial Golf Tourney five years ago.

“It was a beautiful day here at GCC on Waterman Lake,” the always-smiling Graham offered. “We have a wonderful committee that works hard to make this (tourney) a successful day. We all do so because someday there will be a cure.”

As tears of joy trickled down Judi Graham’s face and her voice was ringing in her voice, she went on, “We will continue playing golf and working to help find the cure!”

She also pledged, as did other members of the fun-loving committee, to continue an important golf tourney that was again filled with pizza chips and snacks like granola bars on the course, a pre-tourney lunch of sausage and peppers, meatball sandwiches and hot dogs as well as cake, cookies and brownies for after-the-dinner dessert.

Judi Graham also announced that the 2019 first place team with a score of 60 was Vinny and Linda LaFazia and Randy and Kim Kosh. Second place went to Dewy and Tracy Uriati and Walter and Michy Geer while third place winners were Lori Caracciolo and Dennis Medeiros and Jim and Tammy Diggle.

The real winners, as Judi Graham offered, “Are the children who are undergoing treatment for cancer at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. And some day, there will be a cure!” GOLF 1 IMG 5314

CLASSIC COMMITTEE: The committee that presents the annual JMCE Co-Ed Memorial Golf Tournament includes: Greg and Mary Kernan, Judi and David Graham, Lori Caracciolo, Linda and Vin LaFazia, Tracy and Dewey Uriati and Dennis Medeiros. (Sun Rise photos by Pete Fontaine) GOLF 2 IMG 5306

PRO’S PALS: GCC’s popular pro Dave Baluik is joined by …. GOLF 3 IMG 5294

PROUD PLAYERS: Among the 2019 Co-Ed Memorial playing field were Justine and Jimmy Turbitt who helped the JMCE raise $7,900 after Sunday’s fifth annual event. GOLF 4 IMG 5298

SPECIAL SIGNS: Memorial and business signs such as the ones above helped make Sunday’s 5th Annual JMCE Memorial Golf Tournament a smashing success. Suggested headline: JMCE’s Co-Ed Memorial Golf: ‘Some day there will be a cure!’