LONGPORT – It’s been 24 years since the Longport PBA Local 363 started its annual mini-golf fundraiser. Saturday, Aug. 24, marked 10 years since the PBA held the event in memory of one of its own - co-founder and former Police Sgt. Charles “Tommy” Adams, a 21-year police veteran who died riding his Harley motorcycle in Buena on Aug. 24, 2014.
“This is really the 24th annual tournament,” said retired Longport Police Officer Chris Ricciotti, who co-founded the event with Adams. “We held the first one right after 911 as a fundraiser for the Widows and Children’s Fund. We renamed it after Tommy died.”
The funds raised are distributed to various state and local charities, including the PBA’s Survivor and Welfare Fund. The fund also supports local sports teams, and Shop With A Cop during the holidays when police officers take children out shopping for their loved ones.
“More money goes out than comes in,” Ricciotti said. “We do this to remember Tommy and to support the community.”
The event provides some funding for the PBA’s charity efforts, and sponsors step up to fund expenses, such as renting the mini-golf course and blow-up rides.
A big part of the event was the free hot dogs, hamburgers and a 100-pound succulent whole roasted pig called Wilbur that was prepared by South Jersey Smokehouse at their kitchen at Hammerbacher’s Bakery in Egg Harbor City, business owner Dan Greenberg of Margate said.
“We put this baby on at 7:45 p.m. last night and he was finished about 8 a.m. this morning,” Greenberg said.
The company cooks their meat products in Egg Harbor City and sells them at area festivals and farmers markets, he said.
On Saturday, children played on the rides, and tossed hula-hoops and basketballs while their parents enjoyed a round of mini-golf. Others made a donation and just sat in the gazebo enjoying the view of boats passing in front of Seaview Harbor.
Admission included a free Longport PD T-shirt and prizes donated by area businesses were awarded to the best male and female players, mixed couple and most honest golfer.
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