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A Record-Setting Day on the Links: Carver’s 12th Annual Golf Classic Raises More Than $180,000 for Students

Carver CEO Novelette Peterking standing with the Presenting Sponsor, Paul, Weiss foursome. Kevin Gomez of Paul, Weiss, second from right.

Under picture-perfect skies at Shorehaven Golf Club, supporters of The Carver gathered on Monday, June 15, for the 12th Annual Carver Golf Classic—and delivered a record-setting day for local youth.

More than 100 golfers representing 27 foursomes joined us for a day of friendly competition, networking, and philanthropy, helping generate more than $180,000 to support Carver programs that serve thousands of students across Greater Norwalk and beyond.

From the opening tee shot to the evening awards celebration, participants enjoyed a memorable day that included:

Michael Gregorich Silver Sponsor foursome: L-R: David Bell, Mike Gregorich, Dom Napolitano, Scott Brooks

  • 18 holes of golf at Shorehaven Golf Club

  • The BackSwing Golf Events “Beat the Pro” Challenge

  • A BMW of Darien-sponsored Hole-in-One Contest

  • Putting Green Competition

  • Silent Auction and 50/50 Raffle

  • Cocktails, dinner, awards, and fellowship

The event was made possible by the generosity of our sponsors, led by Presenting Sponsor Paul, Weiss, Gold Sponsor Ironview Capital Management, and dozens of businesses, foundations, and individuals who contributed to the event's success. We also thank Moffly Media, our media sponsor, for helping share the story of Carver's impact throughout the community.

A special thank you goes to our dedicated Golf Classic Committee:

Novelette standing with Golf Classic committee member, Griffin Thrush

  • Bill Gallagher, Co-Chair

  • Drew Seath, Co-Chair

  • Jonathan Adelman

  • Deirdre Cavanagh

  • Ryan Griswald

  • Jay Hinton

  • Brad Jordan

  • Adam Sorensen

  • Griffin Thrush

  • Oscar Villalonga

  • Matt Vodicka

  • Jonathan Whitcomb

Their leadership, planning, and commitment helped make this year's tournament our most successful yet.

We are also grateful to Shorehaven Golf Club for hosting the event and providing a wonderful setting for a day that brought together longtime supporters, new friends of Carver, business leaders, and community advocates united around a common goal: investing in young people.

The funds raised through the Golf Classic will support Carver's year-round educational and enrichment programs serving more than 3,300 students. Carver operates before- and after-school programs in every Norwalk public elementary, middle, and high school, as well as Side by Side Charter School, the Classical Studies Magnet Academy, and five elementary schools in Bridgeport, and the Carver Community Center. Led by certified teachers and developed in partnership with schools, families, and community organizations, these programs help students improve academic achievement, strengthen social-emotional well-being, build confidence and leadership skills, and explore new interests through hands-on learning, STEAM projects, arts, recreation, wellness activities, and cultural enrichment. By removing barriers such as transportation and cost, Carver ensures that every child has access to opportunities that support success in school and in life.

The impact of this support will be felt immediately this summer as Carver welcomes more than 1,000 children and teens into a wide range of educational and recreational experiences. Programs include Kick-Off to Kindergarten serving 90 Bridgeport children across six sites; Summer Transition programs helping rising sixth and ninth graders prepare for middle and high school; full-day enrichment camps for more than 500 youth at Ruby Shaw Elementary School; After the Summer Bell serving 150 Kendall School students; Basketball Leadership and Mentorship programs reaching 120 youth through Summer Run and LOVE Unit; and Carver's Ecology School experience in Maine, where students spend a week exploring tide pools, canoeing, hiking, and learning about the natural world. Together, these experiences help young people learn, grow, build friendships, and create lasting summer memories in safe, supportive environments.

To every golfer, sponsor, volunteer, donor, auction participant, and committee member: thank you for helping make the 12th Annual Carver Golf Classic a record-breaking success.

Because of your generosity, more young people will have access to the opportunities, experiences, and support they need to learn, grow, and thrive.