Festive Polo Match Ends in Tie, Raises Funds for Project Self-Sufficiency

Hundreds of individuals and families recently came out to support local non-profit agency Project Self-Sufficiency at the second annual Polo Classic, a friendly competition featuring players from teams sponsored by First Hope Bank and Lakeside Construction, at the stunning Grayfields Polo Club in Allamuchy. In addition to the exciting sporting event which ended in a tie, the festive afternoon featured tailgates, vendors, live music, a silent auction, gourmet food and beverages, children’s activities, and other attractions. Presenting sponsor Mercedes-Benz of Newton displayed several automobiles on site. Proceeds from the friendly competition benefited the agency’s services for low-income individuals and families in northwest New Jersey.

Following a champagne reception for major donors, the event kicked off with the national anthem performed by Senior Airman Gianna Perez, United States Air Force. With the match underway, VIP ticketholders were treated to hors d’oeuvres, fine cuisine, and signature drinks catered by Andre’s Lakeside Dining. Tailgate sponsors enjoyed a catered lunch from Krave.

“We are delighted with the turnout and the creativity displayed by so many of our friends and neighbors, and we are honored by the commitment from presenting sponsor Mercedez-Benz of Newton, as well as First Hope Bank and Lakeside Construction for their sponsorship of the two teams again this year,” noted Project Self-Sufficiency Chief Executive Officer Deborah Berry-Toon. “We are indebted to the Grayfields Polo Club for their dedication to raising funds for the programs and services which are essential to the struggling families in our area.”

During half-time, spectators were encouraged to take part in the treasured tradition of divot stomping, smoothing the field for the second half of the polo match while accompanied by a spirited musical performance from the Mike Lawlor Band. Throughout the event, other activities included competitions for best hat and best tailgate, a silent auction, and naming of the match MVP and Best Playing Polo.

Event sponsors included Sue and Greg Murphy; Comet Security; Ellman Discovery Foundation; Robert Soldoveri/Whispering Pines Enterprises; Royal Buick; Dee and Jim Fernandez; George’s Salvage; Willco Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, & Heating, Inc.; Lorraine and Tim Parker; the John and Margaret Post Foundation; Franklin Mutual Insurance; the Karen and Mark Cummins Family; Tony and Mary Ann DeSantis; Lennar; the Esposito Family; navitend; Blue Ridge Lumber; Stocker Bus Company; HQW Architects; and Eastern Products & Logistics/the Nicholson Family; Heart, Mind, & Body; and Hank Sanders, Inc. Excavating.

Seasonal sponsors included Acrisure, Allied Beverage/Sir Davis American Whiskey, Biondo Investment Advisors, Black Stallion Winery, Provident Bank, Selective Insurance, and Techflex.

Tailgate sponsors included Thomas and Elise Adams; Flying Bee Farms; Catherine Kut Realty Executives; Nisovoccia, LLP; Precision Financial Services, Inc.; Dr. Robert Ranley and Dr. David Bollard; David and Loren Schuette; and Bruce and Robin Tomlinson.

Featured vendors and attractions at the Project Self-Sufficiency Polo Classic were Culligan, the Cupboard Shop, Dark Horse Studio, Duchess Bridle & Saddle, Family Jewels & Crochet, Father John’s Animal House, Fleecy Finds & More, Flying Bee Farms, Kona Ice, Kathleen Little Jewelry & Metalsmith, and Peter’s Valley School of Craft.

High School Diploma Program Launches in March

Enrollment for the next session of the New Jersey Youth Corps program at Project Self-Sufficiency is underway. The sixteen-week program launches in March and is currently being offered as a hybrid of virtual and in-person curricula and activities. The New Jersey Youth Corps gives those who have not completed high school the opportunity to boost their literacy skills, prepare for the high school equivalency exam, obtain on-the-job work experience, and transition into a career, college or the military. Interested participants are invited to attend virtual Open House hosted by Project Self-Sufficiency to learn more about the New Jersey Youth Corps and to complete an application. Virtual Open Houses will be held on Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m., January 19 th , 26 th , February 2 nd , 9 th , and 16th, as well as Thursdays at noon, January 21 st , 28 th , February 4 th , 11 th, and 18 th . In addition, Project Self-Sufficiency is offering a $100 gift card to t...

Little Sprouts Recognized for Excellence

The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center was recently awarded a four-star rating from Grow NJ Kids , the state-sponsored initiative to raise the quality of child care and early learning throughout New Jersey. The rating is based on a rigorous process which considers documentation, classroom environment, in-person observations, and other factors. The Little Sprouts Early Learning Center is an expansive childcare and preschool facility which offers space for 83 youngsters, ages 6 weeks to 6 years, and is operated by Project Self-Sufficiency at 127 Mill Street in Newton. Jennifer Blohm is a Technical Assistance Specialist from the Central Jersey Family Health Consortium , one of three agencies assigned to provide technical assistance and support to programs participating in Grow NJ Kids. Blohm was so impressed by the quality of the Little Sprouts Early Learning Center environment, that she decided to enroll her own child in the preschool. “...

Hackettstown Welcomes PSS Journey with Grand Opening Celebration

Hackettstown’s Trinity United Methodist Church was the site of a festive grand opening celebration for Project Self-Sufficiency’s mobile services vehicle, PSS Journey . The renovated recreational vehicle is outfitted with refrigeration, computer workstations, counseling, and classroom space, and is now bringing free wi fi, food, diapers, and access to essential resources to Hackettstown twice a month. The retrofitted RV allows Project Self-Sufficiency services to be brought to locations where residents may not have easy access to personal vehicles or public transportation; in addition to the Trinity United Methodist Church in Hackettstown, the rotating schedule includes stops in Franklin, Hopatcong, Netcong, and Vernon. PSS Journey, and its smaller companion, the refrigerated Food Project van, are stocked with food, diapers, and limited personal care products for those in need. Launched nearly five years ago, PSS Journey was the brainchild of ...

News from Project Self-Sufficiency

Search This Blog