Holmdel Kiwanis Holds Golf Outing Benefit for Local Charities

Members of the Holmdel Kiwanis met for a little golfing in the name of friendship and charity on a sweltering hot day, July 18. 

The annual event is held in the memory of Holmdel's Dominick J. Luccarelli, the man behind Dearborn Farms, who supported the Kiwanis and its charitable efforts throughout his life. Over the years, the outing has raised well over a million dollars for local charities, says the organization. 

"We have great gratitude and compassion for all our sponsors," said President Ron DeLuca, as he waited for the golfers to arrive to roll in for the catered dinner and cocktails around dinnertime. "We love them. If it weren’t for all of them, and 107 golfers, then we wouldn’t be able to do this." There were 20 sponsors of the event, and lots of ad journal sponsors too. 

The 51 dues-paying members of the Kiwanis, which meets weekly at Ruby Palace in Holmdel and includes members from all over the Bayshore, raised money for the following childrens' charities: The Rainbow Foundation, the Frances Foundation, Search Day Program, Bridges Program run by the Holmdel Community Church, Monmouth County Advocacy Program, Jason's Dreams for Kids, Michael's Feat, St. Ann's Child Cancer, AIDS Research, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Holmdel Village School Pavillion, Project Paul and many others. 

"The economy is getting worse, and the needs keep growing," said DeLuca. "But our membership is staying strong." This year, three new members signed on to the vibrant organization, he said. Everyone is welcome to join the service-oriented group, he said. 

One of the highlights of the day was the announcement of the Holmdel Kiwanis Distinguished Humanitarian of the Year, Michael Mariolis, Jr. 

A native of Keyport,  and graduate of Raritan High School, Mariolis is a member of the family that started the landmark Shore Point Inn at Holmdel Road and Route 35 (now Park East.) 

The group lauded Mariolis for “his passion, selflessness, dedication and unwavering expressions of Christian Love.”

According to his biography printed in the program, Mariolis Jr. has served for decades with the Kiwanis, the Masonic Order of Keyport, and the Keyport/Matawan Elks Lodge. He is a regular volunteer at St. Joseph’s Knights of Columbus, participates in the Monmouth County Food Bank, helps to raise money for the Red Bank Salavation Army,  and has helped the Boy Scouts of  America as finance chairman from 1979-1983. Mariolis Jr. is a blood donor for the Monmouth County Blood Bank.

He is a member of the Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church in Holmdel and a member and former president of the Monmouth County Republican Party, according to the biography, and currently he is employed by the county.