Chipping In to Share Holiday Joy

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ - More than 144 golfers and supporters gathered at Deal Golf and Country Club on June 12 to raise support for Holiday Express during its 30th anniversary year of making the holidays bright for people at homeless shelters, soup kitchens, special needs schools and other agencies dedicated to strengthening the lives of people in need.

The nonprofit’s 21st annual Golf Classic charity event generated $147,000 that will help fund its mission to “deliver the gift of human kindness” to nearly 30,000 people at 100 organizations during the upcoming holiday season, said Holiday Express founder Tim McLoone.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community,” said McLoone, who launched the charity in 1993 to make a difference at holiday time for children and adults struggling with mental and physical challenges, homelessness, addiction, illness, and other issues.

“We believe no one should feel alone during the holidays,” McLoone said. “We’re so very thankful for our Golf Classic presenting sponsor Jersey Mike’s Subs and all the donors who help us bring the joy of the holidays to the people who need it most.”

Holiday Express Executive Eileen Higgins said golfers had a “great day” on the course, which began with a continental breakfast, followed by a shotgun start at 8 a.m. and a buffet lunch on the patio. A second shotgun start got underway at 1 p.m. Players enjoyed culinary treats on the course from Robinson Ale House in Long Branch and ended the evening with cocktails and dinner.

Higgins noted that the nonprofit raises funds throughout the year so that its team of 2,500 volunteers can bring festive music, gifts, food, and holiday activities to organizations in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania during its whirlwind season, which will start Nov. 1 and run through Dec. 24.

“There is nothing like seeing the smiles on the faces of children and adults when Holiday Express is in the house,” Higgins added.

The Golf Classic event was planned by a committee of volunteers led by Chairperson Kieran Higgins with support from Board of Directors Chairperson Terel Cooperhouse, Rocky Falotico, Sharon Kitley, Dianne Merserlin, former Executive Director Don Pignataro and Phil Villapiano. For more information about donating, volunteering, or attending upcoming Holiday Express events, including the Sunset Clambake Sept. 10 honoring Tim McLoone and his family, visit Holiday Express at www.HolidayExpress.org.

About Holiday Express
Celebrating our 30th anniversary in 2023, we’re a charitable organization that brightens the holidays for vulnerable populations by bringing live music, entertainment, gifts, meals, hope, and joy to group homes, developmental centers, long-term hospitals, homeless shelters, special needs schools and other organizations in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Founded by restaurateur and musician Tim McLoone, we’ve been delivering the gift of human kindness since 1993. Learn more about our mission at HolidayExpress.org.