On Monday, October 19, the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF) teed off at its second annual Average Joe’s Golf Classic at Segregansett Country Club in Taunton, MA — and the day was anything but average!
A field of 140 golfers took to the scenic, foliage-filled course for a day of camaraderie, friendly competition, and philanthropy. Despite the brisk morning temperatures, the sun shined all day as did the special community of golfers. By day’s end, the tournament had raised more than $100,000 to support JAF’s mission,
The fun began early, with golfers hitting the course for a day filled with games and plenty of surprises along the way. Comedian, radio personality, and longtime JAF friend Nick “Fitzy” Stevens joined us this year to keep golfers on their toes at the Heckle Hole, bringing along fellow comedian Jerry Thornton of Barstool Sports fame. The duo delivered plenty of laughs and good-natured heckling, making sure no golfer escaped without a little extra entertainment!
“An event like this wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our sponsors, whose support helps JAF turn a great day on the golf course into meaningful assistance for families facing cancer,” said Joe Andruzzi, Chief Engagement Officer. “This year, I’m really happy to say we have even more new faces — both from our sponsors and our golfers. So, thank you for showing up and supporting JAF.”
JAF extends a heartfelt thank-you to our generous sponsors: Primo Medical Group (Mission Sponsor), Plainridge Park Casino (Breakfast Sponsor), A.I.M. Mutual Insurance (Lunch Sponsor), Lighthouse Electrical Consulting (Dinner Sponsor), and Landmark Medical Center (Beverage Cart Sponsor).
We’re also grateful to our On-Course and Games Sponsors: The Ivanoksi Family, TLK Consulting, Advanced Sports Therapy, Pamela Heylin Realty, and Somerset Federal Credit Union.
Our food and beverage partners kept everyone fueled and spirits high throughout the day. Thank you to Ally’s Cookies & Doglio Coffee, Barrels & Boards, Blount’s Seafood, and The Sausage Guy, along with Angle Tree Brewery, Vitamin Sea Brewing, Hendler Family Breweries, and Lucky Ones Lemonades and Teas.
Chance drawings and a silent auction added to the festivities, making for a memorable day both on and off the course. Thank you to the many individuals and businesses for donating items and experiences to make this possible.
Golfers also had a special opportunity to give back through Pink with Purpose, featuring pink thermal bottles from our friends at Well Told, by purchasing a bottle to be anonymously gifted to a breast cancer patient in the JAF community. As breast cancer represents the largest demographic of patients JAF supports, this thoughtful initiative offered another meaningful way for golfers to make a difference and remind a patient that their community is thinking of them.
While the tournament was filled with laughter and friendly competition, the heart of the day was a reminder of why JAF’s mission matters now more than ever.
During the dinner program, President and CEO Jen Andruzi said, “Requests from patients for financial assistance continue to outpace available resources forcing JAF to temporarily pause receiving new applications so it can fulfill those it has in hand.” Jen continued “This is a reminder that while for many cancer is a life changing experience both physically and mentally, for far too many it is a life-altering experience financially.”
Guests heard this reality firsthand from Michelle Kimball, whose three-year-old daughter, Everly, is battling cancer. Michelle shared the challenges of caring for a young child through cancer treatment while trying to keep her family afloat financially — and how JAF stepped in when they needed help most.
JAF helped cover the family’s mortgage payment and provided a food security grant, easing some of the pressure and giving them the chance to enjoy a small Fourth of July celebration together. For one day, they could focus on being a family and creating happy memories rather than thinking about cancer.
Michelle’s story reminded us that sometimes, helping a family means more than covering an essential expense. It means giving parents breathing room, easing stress, and making space for moments of joy during an otherwise overwhelming time.
Inspired by Michelle’s story, Joe and WBZ meteorologist Jacob Wycoff led a spirited live appeal, inviting guests to help more families facing the financial burden of cancer. The response was extraordinary. In just minutes, guests raised more than $29,000 to help families like Michelle’s.
It was a powerful demonstration of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose.
We’re deeply grateful to every sponsor, in-kind supporter, volunteer, participant, and staff member who helped make the second annual Average Joe’s Golf Classic a success. A special thank you to the awesome team at Segregansett Country Club for going above and beyond to make the day memorable.
And big congratulations to our tournament winners: Matt Penney, Mike Foley, Mike Coombs, and Peter Cunningham!
