JACKSON – The Westlake Tennis and Pickleball Clubs recently held a fundraiser that raised a sizable amount to benefit research and treatment for autism at the Westlake Clubhouse Ballroom.
The event was hosted by Westlake Country Club & Golf Course’s two racket clubs.
Westlake resident Linda Lafer shared some of the details about the fundraiser with The Jackson Times. She remarked “the support for this important cause was overwhelming. This special day began with a series of round robins on both the tennis and pickleball courts. The club members were treated to a delicious array of bagels, munchkins, spreads, fresh fruit, coffee, and water in between the sessions. All Star Bagels and Dunkin Donuts donated the first two items respectively.”
Lafer said that following the morning activities, a wine and cheese party was held in the Westlake lobby to start off the evening festivities. “Invitees and guests, dressed in their finest attire, filled the newly-decorated Westlake clubhouse ballroom. Steve Friedland, Fundraiser Chairperson, welcomed the attendees and provided some history pertaining to this charitable event.”
“Howard Lazan began the fundraiser in 2003 in honor of his autistic nephew. After Howard’s death in 2007, Arlene and Steve Friedland decided to continue his mission to enhance services for autism by organizing this annual occasion. While the participants dined on a delicious buffet, music of the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s was provided by Memories and DJ Pete,” she added.
Friedland introduced guest speaker Suzanne Buchanan, who serves as Autism New Jersey’s executive director. She emphasized the purpose of this organization is to support further research into autism and proceeded to thank everyone for their contributions to the cause.
Lafer noted that the event’s festive atmosphere did not overshadow the primary goal of this get together. “Steve Friedland reported that $3,230 was collected from the 50/50 raffles and $900 was raised by Kathy Romeo and Kerri Standowski through Sparkles hair sessions.”
“A truly special couple very generously donated $10,000. This year over $21,000 has been collected bringing the grand total to approximately $164,000 to date. It is important to recognize that both the Westlake Tennis and Pickleball Clubs are not just about playing sports,” Lafer added.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or autism is a neurobiological disorder characterized by impairments in social communication and interaction as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. The term spectrum highlights how the specific social and behavioral challenges vary for each individual–and sometimes across each person’s lifetime. For more information on Autism New Jersey visit autismnj.org.
