NEWBURGH, N.Y., Sept. 26, 2025 – The annual Abilities First Golf & Tennis Classic netted significant funds during a beautiful September day, Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, at the Powelton Club in Newburgh. Proceeds raised by the Foundation for Abilities First NY benefit programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Just as importantly, said Abilities First CEO Dr. Jeffery Fox, those vital programs advance quality of life and futures for 1,400 children and adults with disabilities and families. He cited one mom’s peace of mind when her son boarded a school bus to Abilities First, knowing he’d be cared for, educated and supported in a safe, warm environment.
“That moment represented everything we strive to provide — confidence that her child would be safe, understood and challenged to grow,” Fox said. “But this story isn’t unique; it’s what happens when a community decides that every person deserves the chance to reach his or her potential.”
Abilities First, a nonprofit organization, provides people who face developmental challenges and their families support to attain independence, self-determination, integration and acceptance by others through education, exploration and experience. The Golf & Tennis Classic, an annual signature event, funds educational programs, vocational training, residential services, family support programs and community inclusion initiatives.
Abilities First appreciates the generous support of its presenting sponsors. The Classic’s Golf Presenting Sponsor was DVM Industries, a facilities and energy company providing services to the residential, commercial, banking, hospitality and healthcare markets. The Tennis Presenting Sponsor was the law firm of Feldman, Kleidman, Collins & Sappe, LLC.
Under a warm, sunny sky, 124 golfers and 32 tennis participants enjoyed friendly competition, exercise and support of a worthy cause. The day started with a breakfast buffet, followed by a shotgun golf start, a grab-and-go lunch and a reception. Participants also bid during a silent auction for prizes that included a trip to Ocean City, Md., a Fishing Experience, College Sports Experience, NFL Pro Bowl Games Experience and a trip to New York State’s Finger Lakes, as well as sports memorabilia, dining and spa packages, entertainment, golf foursomes, jewelry, trips and more.
Participants were provided “Person In Your Pocket” keepsakes, square cubes encased in plastic with an inspiring message accompanying a photo of an Abilities First beneficiary, depicting a neighbor who enriches the Hudson Valley. The keepsakes also remind Abilities First supporters that they inclusively champion opportunities to contribute, connect and belong.
Foundation for Abilities First NY Development Director JoAnn Parker thanked participants as advocates for “families who depend on Abilities First… thank you for understanding that your generosity doesn’t just fund programs. It funds futures.”
The event was bittersweet for Peter Setaro, Foundation for Abilities First NY Board of Directors Chairman and Golf & Tennis Classic Co-Chairman. He is retiring and moving south. He said the rewards of seven years of supporting Abilities First will always be heartfelt.
“I discovered I could make a truly meaningful difference. That difference became personal and life-changing for me when I understood the real value of my giving and my time for a community of people so deserving of our support,” he said, urging others to volunteer for Abilities First. “The opportunity to transform lives is waiting for you.”
This year’s Golf & Tennis Classic championship golf trophy went to TEG Credit Union’s men’s team, Ron Flaherty, Mike Mazzuca, Matt Bannan and Scott McNally. Other winners:
- Second place, men’s: Stenger, Glass, Hagstrom, Lindars & Iuele LLP, Peter Glass, Scott Moroney, Steve Farris and Jeff Shields.
- First place, mixed team: Page Management Group, Karen Page, Bill Walsh, Kevin Page and Steve Kochanowski.
- Second place, mixed team: Savant Wealth Management, Michelle Smith, Sean Smith, Stephen Kelly and Bill Foley.
- First place, women’s team: NFP, Lynn Melby, Tara Lea, Cheryl Ogles and Bonnie Turturro.
- Second place, women’s team: Assurance Abstract Title, Erin Melendez, Sarah Storms, Robin Keeler and Jessica Mahoney.
- Longest drive, women’s: Amy Bombardieri.
- Longest drive, men’s: Brian O’Donnell.
- Closest to the Pin, women’s: Bonnie Turturro.
- Closest to the Pin, men’s: Glen Heller.
Tennis:
- Overall Champion: Heidi DeSiena and Suzanne Mcleod.
- First place, women’s: Heidi DeSiena and Suzanne Mcleod.
- First place, men’s: Simon Gorwara and Rich Birgler.
- First place, mixed: Laura Healey and Sue Wilson.
Additional sponsors included:
- Reception Sponsor: NFP.
- Breakfast Sponsor: Mackey Butts & Whelan, LLP, Attorneys at Law.
- Lunch on the Course Sponsor: CD PHP, a health plan provider.
- Golf Cart Sponsor: Stenger, Glass, Hagstrom, Lindars & Iuele LLP.
- Beverage Cart Sponsor: F.M.C. (Facilities Maintenance Corp.)
- Lunch N’ Putt Sponsor: Savant Wealth Management.
- Cigar Sponsor: M&O Sanitation, Inc.
- Mystery Gift Sponsor: The law firm of Cuddy + Feder LLP.
- Scorecard Sponsor: Montfort Bros., Inc.
- Auction Sponsors: Passero Engineering & Architecture and CS Arch.
- Tee Box Sponsors: Page Management Group, MVP Health Care, Hudson House Distillery and Mutual of America Financial Group.
- Rally Sponsor: RBT LLP, Certified Public Accountants and Business Development Consultants
- Volley Sponsor: Healey Brothers Automotive Group
- Ace Sponsors: Levia Medspa and Personalize It, which specializes in made-to-order customized items.
- Tennis Net Sign Sponsors: RBT, Healey Brothers Automotive Group, Levia Medspa, Personalize It and Taconic Sport & Racquet.
- Tee Box Markers and Tee Sign Sponsors: Aflac, Albar Steel, Amity Construction Corporation, Atlantic Tomorrow’s Office, Barone Construction Group, Bonadio Group, Bussani Mobility, Camelot Print & Copy Centers, D-Ben Security Systems, Ethan Allen, Fit & Fun Playscapes, Hannaford, KARC Planning Consultants, Kearney Realty and Development Group, Key Construction Services, Law Offices of Rodenhausen, Chale & Polidoro LLP, Medline, Orange Packaging, The Palumbo Group, Rifton, ThinkDifferently, TransAmerica, S&O Construction Group and State Wide Inspection Services. About Abilities First and the Foundation for Abilities First N.Y.
Founded in 1962, Abilities First is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization serving the needs of over 1,100 children and adults with developmental disabilities from birth through adulthood throughout the Hudson Valley. More than 600 dedicated employees are committed to providing a culture of compassion, empowerment and respect through educational, vocational, residential, habilitation and family support programs and services. Founded in 2018, the Foundation for Abilities First NY is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Its mission is to garner the financial resources necessary to meet the programmatic interests and to assure the sustainability of the mission of Abilities First, Inc. Learn more at AbilitiesFirstNY.org.
