MJSA Education Foundation Golf Tournament

Over $11,000 was raised as an all time high of 232 golfers teed off at the seventh annual MJSA Education Foundation Golf Tournament on July 25. The tournament took place simultaneously on both the north and south courses at the prestigious Lake of Isles in North Stonington, Connecticut. Funds raised will benefit the development of educational programs designed to support and advance the jewelry industry.

Named one of the “top ten courses” in 2005 by Golf Magazine, Lake of Isles was designed to work with the natural landscape of lakes, thick forests, and rolling terrain. “It was the best tournament I’ve ever played in,” said Vincent Scalera of Swarovski. “Everyone I spoke to commented on the quality of the course.” In addition to rounds of golf, the event included a cocktail reception where golfers kicked back, relaxed, and mingled with their colleagues. This was followed by a dinner, which featured an awards presentation, live auction, and raffle, as well as a tribute to Howard Schachter, MJSA Education Foundation chairman emeritus. Schachter was honored with a new scholarship named after him for his efforts, dedication, and commitment to industry training and education. Over the past 20 years, he supported MJSA’s educational efforts by developing curricula and training programs, most recently providing polishing training for Tiffany & Co., and acting as a liaison between the foundation and the industry.

Two badges to the exclusive Master’s Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, donated by Acquire Marketing, were the highlight of the auction which was led by Michael Salvadore Jr. of Salvadore Auctions & Appraisals. Several other golf foursomes were also auctioned, and the day ended by announcing the winners of the raffle, which included airline tickets, hotel stays, vineyard and winery tours, and a Tiffany & Co. watch. “This was the most successful social event MJSA has ever held,” said Edward DeCristofaro of LDC.

Besides supporting a great cause, golfers displayed outstanding efforts on the golf course, especially the following contest winners:

North Course

• Closest to the Pin, Men: Paul Angland of HSBC Bank.
• Closest to the Pin, Women: Karen Bergel of Imperial Deltah.
• Longest Drive, Men: Gary Eddins of Pease & Curren Inc.
• Longest Drive, Women (tie scores): Karen Bergel of Imperial Deltah and Ellen Kaplan of Artistic Label Co.
• Low Gross Team: FedEx—Bob Murphy, Steve Rourke, Joe Gulley, and Del Cote.
• Low Net Team: HSBC Bank—Edward Gately, Rich Seufert, Steve Noack, and Paul Angland.

South Course

• Closest to the Pin, Men: Rob Noller of Swarovski.
• Closest to the Pin, Women: Brenda Gamba of Jewelers Board of Trade.
• Longest Drive, Men: John Antonacci of LDC Inc.
• Longest Drive, Women: No winner.
• Low Gross Team: Bank of America—Robert Rubino, David DiSanto, John Schmidt, and Jim Fleet.
• Low Net Team: Salvadore Auctions & Appraisal—Michael Salvadore Jr., John St. Savuer, Douglas Hanson, and Robert Sormanti.

Thank you to our sponsors: Swarovski North America Ltd., Labyrinth Business Solutions, Johnson Matthey, FedEx, Freeman, Bank of America, Aurafin-OroAmerica, Grant Marketing, Keystone Findings, Skies America, JCK Events, Computer Associates Inc., HSBC Bank, and TransFirst (formerly Payment Resources International).

For more information on the MJSA Education Foundation Golf Tournament, please contact Katherine Eayrs at 1-800-444-6572, ext. 3040.