Article on my Dad in the Daily Tribune
Thursday, September 17, 2009 (click date for link to article on daily tribune website)
From 1982 until 2007, when cancer was beginning to overtake him, Daily Tribune Circulation Department District Manager Jess Perreca Sr. scheduled a week of his vacation every December. That's when he and his wife, Bonnie, would work nearly around the clock, along with many volunteers, to gather and pack gifts, toys and food boxes to assure that needy families and seniors had a happy holiday.
The Christmas Classic golf outing was founded 27 years ago to support this annual holiday basket program, which assists needy local families and seniors during the holidays under the auspices of the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Oakland County.
The next generation stepped up to take over the holiday program for Jess, led by former Boys & Girls Club member Matt Lovelace and Joe Ross, and assisted by Tony Piraino, Mike Ripinski and Royal Oak Golf Course General Manager Joe Spatafore. Still, in 2007, severely weakened and losing ground to the disease, Jess insisted on being at the delivery distribution site from early morning on. It would be for the last time.
Jess lost his battle with cancer on Feb. 5, 2008, but the event, now named the Jess Perreca Sr. Memorial Royal Oak Christmas Classic, and the holiday basket program continue in his honor. As many as 250 families and 75 seniors are now helped every year, thanks to the proceeds of the Christmas Classic golf outing and donations from many local businesses, including Holiday Market. Holiday conducts an annual food drive, in which they match customer donations of food and cash one for one.
This year's golf outing was the most successful yet, raising over $10,000, which is a good thing, because demand for holiday assistance is at the highest level ever. And even better, the presenting sponsor, The Miner's Den, is matching every dollar given.
More than 100 golfers turned out on a beautiful sunny day,
Friday, Sept. 11, and stayed for dinner and awards following the tournament. Al Pruner won the 50/50 raffle, but nearly everyone went home with a donated prize.
Paul Slocum, Nick Areddy and Jerry Tarchala, who won closest to the line and closest to the pin contests, participated in a 197-yard hole-in-one shootout for $100,000 with no success, and Jeff Hunt failed to make a 40-foot putt for a $5,000 payout. But a good time was had by all.
If you would like to make a Christmas Classic donation, mail a check, payable to the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Oakland County, to 1545 E. Lincoln Ave., Royal Oak, MI 48067, and note that it's for the Christmas Classic program. Or call Sally Owen at (248) 544-4166, ext. 106, to use a credit card. You can also let Sally know if you or your company would like to adopt a senior or family for the holidays.
Thursday, September 17
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