A charity golf tournament benefitting the all-volunteer South Orange Rescue Squad (SORS) will tee-off on Monday, October 15 at Maplewood Country Club.  Hosted by the South Orange Citizens Public Safety Committee and SORS, the tournament welcomes players of all levels to take to the links and raise much-needed money for the rescue squad.  After the tournament, players will head over to Cryan’s Beef & Ale House to celebrate the SORS 60^th Anniversary with a prime rib dinner, awards program, and raffle.

Tournament registration begins at 10:30 am, and players will receive tournament gifts, enjoy a continental breakfast and participate in a putting competition.  The four-person, “best ball” scramble blasts off with a shotgun start at Noon. While on the course, golfers will be treated to snacks, drinks, and several contest holes including longest drive, closest to the pin, and closest to the line.  A tournament highlight is an opportunity to win a new Ford Focus, courtesy of Maplecrest Ford on Springfield Avenue, by hitting a hole-in-one.

 “Events like this bring out the best in our community,” says Sheena Collum, chair of the Citizens Public Safety Committee and co-chair for the tournament.  “Our goal is to raise as much money possible for an organization that provides an invaluable service to us all and every little bit counts.”

Since opening its doors in 1952, SORS answered more than 50,000 calls for help in South Orange and surrounding communities. In the last year alone, SORS volunteers contributed nearly 17,500 hours of emergency medical service and responded to more than 1,200 calls. Patients are never charged a fee to receive SORS services.

“Not only does the rescue squad provide the highest level of emergency medical services to our residents, but it does so for free, which saves our community hundreds of thousands of dollars per year,” says Alex Torpey, village president and active emergency medical technician.  “The squad also provides community members a fun, challenging and rewarding way to get involved in making a direct positive contribution to those around them.”

Registration for golfers is $175 per player or $650 for a foursome.  Non-golfers are encouraged to attend the dinner for $75.  There are also various sponsorship opportunities for businesses, individuals, and organizations.  To register or contribute, visit www.so-cpsc.org/charity-golf-tournament or contact Sheena Collum at sccollum@mac.com or 201.704.0484. 

In addition to the tournament, volunteers will be selling 50/50 raffle tickets for $10 and t-shirts reading “I Support the South Orange Rescue Squad Like My Life Depends On It” for $20 on September 13 and 15 at the South Orange train station and throughout town.

“For the past 60 years, the rescue squad has survived due to the kindness and generosity of the public,” says Ken Greene, SORS president and tournament co-chair.  “And I’m looking forward to this organization serving our great town for the next sixty.”

To learn more about how you can help and get involved with SORS visit: www.southorangerescuesquad.org.