Golf Outing an Ace for Local Cause

It was a beautiful day at the Due Process Stable last week when the Charles Lafitte Foundation (CLF) raised an incredible $730,000 for the Freehold-based Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS) at their annual golf outing.

Originally started in 2005 by Scott Fritz and Don Quigley who both lost teenage children to suicide, the society has worked to prevent and reduce the number of families that have to experience similar tragedies. Their work is accomplished through public awareness initiatives and educational programming for parents, educators and teens not just in Monmouth County but also across the country.

Scott Frittz, SPTS President said, “We are overjoyed at the shear outpouring of support we have received from botht he Charles Lafitte Foundation and its sponsors.” He added, “With this tremendous gift, we will be able to significantly expand our outreach across the country with educational training and public awareness programs, and reach thousands of teachers, parents and teens.”

Since it was founded the SPTS has trained more than 40 thousand teachers. One of the people who received the training was Manasquan High SChool nurse Susan McCoy-Tellone. “SPTS has been there for us through tragedies that have devastated our community.” The nurse for the Warriors said the SPTS has spent hours training not only school members but the community at large about suicide prevention. “What they will be empowered to do with thse funds is immeasurable. It will save many lives.”

In addition to their work in the schools the SPTS has also helped to get legislation passed in New Jersey requiring all educators to complete at least two hours of instruction in suicide prevention. New Jersey was the first to pass that requirement but since 2007 another 14 states have adopted similar legislation.

The CLF was co-founded by Suzanne and Jeffrety Citron who matched all donations made at the golf outing. Over the past decade the foundation has raised more than $5 million to help a variety of causes. “This is the largest amount raised at this event in our foundation’s history,” Jeffrey said. “We are thrilled and humbled by the generosity of our sponsors, and are honored to support the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide.”

Citron also said he was glad to know the money raised would go to good use. “We know these funds will help them build a lasting foundation and enable them to reach more parents, educators and teens with suicide prevention programming. We are extremely grateful to our Golf Classic partners, many who have supported this event for a decade, for their support in making this the most successful year.”