On Monday, October 27, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) teed off its inaugural Average Joe’s Golf Classic at Segregansett Country Club in Taunton, MA — and the day was anything but average!
A field of 132 golfers hit the scenic, foliage-filled course for a fall day of fun, camaraderie, and philanthropy. Despite the brisk morning temperatures, hearts were warm for JAF’s mission — and by day’s end, the event raised more than $84,000 to help cancer patients and their families across New England.
JAF extends heartfelt thanks to all who made this first-year event such a success — especially our generous sponsors: New England Laborers Union (Mission and Breakfast Sponsor), Landmark Medical Center (Dinner Sponsor), and Easton Select Group, Ivonoski Family, Siena Engineering Group, Pamela Heylin Realty, Recharge Wellness Center,TLK Consulting, Inc., and Jack and Kathy Todesco for their incredible support.
“I wanted to host another tournament that offered supporters a great course, great food, and a relaxed way to have fun while supporting our mission,” said Joe Andruzzi, Chief Engagement Officer. “The response was wonderful — it was great to see both new and familiar faces step up to help families in need.”
True to its name, the Average Joe’s Golf Classic brought a more relaxed, game-filled twist to the traditional tournament. JAF staff showed their Halloween spirit in costume, and golfers enjoyed course-side games, fresh coffee and cookies from Ally’s Cookies of Foxborough, and plenty of treats throughout the day.
Food trucks from Barrels and Boards and The Sausage Guy kept golfers fueled, while beverages from Angle Tree Brewery, Narragansett Brew, Hendler Family Breweries, and LGL Wine kept spirits high. A lively mix of chance drawings, beer and wine tastings, and a silent auction rounded out the festivities.
During dinner, sponsored by Landmark Medical Center, Joe and Jen Andruzzi shared an important update on JAF’s mission, noting that requests for financial assistance have outpaced available resources, forcing a temporary pause in applications.
“Nearly 50% of cancer patients fall into financial debt or lose their life savings because of cancer,” Jen explained. “Social workers beg JAF to keep our portal open — even if it means smaller grants — because we’re one of very few nonprofits that help patients of any age, with any type of cancer.”
JAF patient recipient Jason Levasseur of Maine brought that impact to life, sharing his story as a single dad balancing two jobs, treatment, and rising expenses. When JAF stepped in to help with an oil bill and food support, he said, it gave him hope during one of his darkest times.
Inspired by Jason’s words, Joe and WBZ Meteorologist Jacob Wycoff led a spirited live appeal — and in just minutes, the room raised over $20,000 to help more families like his.
THANK YOU!
No first-year event reaches this level of success without a community behind it. We’re deeply grateful to our sponsors, in-kind supporters, volunteers, and staff — and to the incredible team at Segregansett Country Club for going above and beyond to make the day memorable.
The inaugural Average Joe’s Golf Classic proved that when our community comes together, cancer doesn’t stand a chance.
Congratulations to our Tournament Winners!
Khalil Al Kamir, Collin Cain, Mike Hoffman, and Jim Rose