Disability Organization Looking For Sponsors

The 39th Annual Wiegand Farm Golf Classic, one of the Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD) largest fundraisers, is coming to the Bowling Green Golf Club and Berkshire Valley Golf Course on June 24.

Last year, the event sold out and raised more than $50,000 with all proceeds from the event directed toward resident care.

DPD provides support for adults with developmental disabilities and their families and operates nine group homes, two supervised apartments and a vocational day program for people with special needs throughout Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties. There are more than 8,000 people with developmental disabilities on a waiting list to get into programs like those operated by DPD.

Alexander House, Columbus House, Finnegan House and Gruenert Center are facilities run by the DPD and located in Jefferson Township. 

This year, the Department for Persons with Disabilities hopes to draw 160 golfers to the 2013 event.

"DPD does a fantastic job with the outing that continues to grow each year. We are proud to be their corporate partners,” said Lakeland Bank Vice President Russell Dunn.

One of the DPD success stories is that of Anthony Iovine.

Iovine did not have a “typical” childhood. He grew up in Wayne, but for many years was in and out of group homes and institutions across the state.  Some experiences were positive for him and others he did not enjoy. There did not seem to be a program that met Iovine’s needs, until he found the Department for Persons with Disabilities, said Development Director Chris Brancato.

According to Brancato, in 1996, Iovine moved into Alexander House.

“To say that Anthony was misunderstood was an understatement,” said Alexander House Director Clara Beck. “He was very streetwise, but couldn’t seem to settle down and get comfortable in his new home, around new people and with a more structured routine.”

Beck said as time passed, and with the help from empathic staff Iovine soon recognized Alexander House as home and flourished. 

Currently, Iovine  is a member of the Joseph F. Lamb Council Knights of Columbus 5510 and is a Fourth Degree Knight.  Iovine y attends work each day at the Department’s Gruenert Center in Lake Hopatcong and is a member of the Art Group and the Community Cleaning Crew there. He belongs to the Respect Support Group where he listens and offers compassion and learned advice. He is also part of the Fight for the Right Community Service Group where he volunteers his time to give back to the community. 

According to DPD Executive Director Scott Milliken, Iovine has good friends that he loves and they love him back and he has responsibilities at Alexander House and Gruenert Center and is held accountable.

“Anthony loves deeply, laughs heartily and works hard.  He is a good man. We at DPD are blessed to have him as part of our family,” Milliken said. 

Iovine might be best known by many for participating in the Department’s Annual Wiegand Farm Golf Classic.

“Each year golfers can win a watch from Anthony. Anthony stands near the tee of one of the holes with a few dozen watches in hand.  He asks each golfer if they want to take a shot to win a watch for $10.00.  It is hard to resist, as Anthony is such a good salesman,” Branacto said. “Anthony’s Watch Hole has helped raise thousands of dollars for DPD in the 15 or so years he has been involved.” 

The Wiegand Farm Golf Classic Committee and the Department for Persons with Disabilities is in need of help with the 2013 event. Anyone wishing to golf, sponsor the event, donate silent auction items or join the committee, contact Chris Brancato at 973-406-1104.  Those interested can also go to the outing's website.

"Your support will help make a difference in the lives of Anthony and many others," Brancato said.