The 26th annual CJR Invitational Golf Benefit will be held on Monday, June 13, at the Torrington Country Club, with a 12-noon shot gun start. Robert G. Phelan of Avon, Executive Vice President of Risk Strategies|TriPoint is Chairman of the event. Gregory S. Oneglia of Litchfield, Vice Chairman of the Torrington-based O&G Industries, is Founding Chairman. O&G Industries is Connecticut’s largest, privately held construction company. The following individuals are Vice Chairs of this year’s benefit and serve on the event Planning Committee:
- John F. Boyd of Litchfield, Community Involvement
- Deborah Laviero of Bristol, Community Involvement
- Jennifer Parsons of Litchfield, Prizes and Promotion
- Louisa Roraback of Goshen, Volunteers
- Jessica O. Travelstead, Sponsors
Martha Bernstein of Litchfield is Chair of CJR’s Board Development Committee and also serves as a member of the CJR Invitational Planning Committee.
O&G Industries and Risk Strategies|TriPoint are Emerald Sponsors for the event. Celebrity participants for the day include NBC Connecticut meteorologist Bob Maxon, news anchor (retired) Gerry Brooks, and political reporter (retired), Tom Monahan. The Mitchell Auto Group, with dealerships in the Farmington Valley and Hartford area, will donate an automobile for a Hole in One contest.
According to Event Chair Robert Phelan, net proceeds of approximately $55,000 are anticipated for this year’s event. Mr. Phelan indicated that all monies raised will benefit the approximately 1,300 children, youth and families that CJR serves annually in locations across Connecticut.
The CJR Invitational was established by Gregory Oneglia in 1996. Mr. Oneglia expressed particular gratitude to this year’s sponsors, a number of which have supported the benefit annually since its inception.
“We are very fortunate to have such loyal and generous participants,” he stated. “Our sponsors have helped this event raise cumulative net proceeds that will exceed $1.8 million this year,” he noted.
Event Chair Robert Phelan credited a dedicated and experienced team of volunteers for the benefit’s track record of success. “Some of our volunteers have been associated with the CJR Invitational since it was established in 1996,” he stated. “We all share a commitment to helping the Connecticut Junior Republic,” he said, “and the young people and families who benefit from CJR’s services,” he continued.
CJR President & CEO Daniel Rezende thanked the event’s volunteers for their service. “The outstanding leadership provided by Greg Oneglia, Bob Phelan and our entire volunteer team, enables us to provide a memorable day for our golfers and to raise significant and much-needed support to help young people and families. With the surge in demand for services precipitated by COVID, the need for our programs has never been greater,” he noted.
Founded in 1904, the Connecticut Junior Republic is a private, charitable organization that provides care, treatment, education and family support for young people so they may become productive and fulfilled members of their homes, schools and communities. Today, CJR’s combined programs in locations across Connecticut serve more than 1,300 boys and girls annually.
The organization is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and its education programs are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). CJR is supported by gifts from individuals, businesses, foundations and organizations, and through service contracts funded by the Judicial Branch Court Support Services Division (JBCSSD), the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), and by Connecticut’s public schools.For further information, please contact Hedy Barton, Director of Development and Public Relations (860) 567-9423, extension 252; or by email: hbarton@cjryouth.org.