25th anniversary cox charity classic souvenir journal

2014 Classic Cover.indd 1 9/23/14 4:07 PM

Dear Friends of Steve and all Cox Classic Supporters,A milestone year is a good time to look back, if only to put context to the distance traveled. So imagine this: In 1990,

the seminal year of our humble event, the Dow Jones closed the year at 2,633; the average cost of a new house was $123,000; and a gallon of gas was a whopping $1.34. The Simpsons pre-miered on the upstart Fox Network, and Hold On by Wilson Phil-lips topped the pop music charts. Elsewhere in the world, Sadd-am Hussein was invading neighboring Kuwait; Lech Walesa was becoming president of Poland; Margaret Thatcher was resigning as British Prime Minister; Nelson Man-dela was experiencing his first taste of freedom after some 30 years of incarceration; and our friend Steve Cox was waging a vigorous fight.

Though Steve would ulti-mately succumb to osteo-sarcoma, we continue to re-member him – so long after that fateful, tumultuous year – because his story inspires us, his legacy means something, and his life is worth honoring.

Our presence at the 25th Annual also says something about tra-dition, about the solace we can find in predictability amidst an ever more unstable world. Like a ballplayer who sticks with the same team for an entire career, there is something simple and reas-suring about the tradition known as the Cox Classic. Each year, the first Monday of October is like a beacon, illuminating causes and community, allowing participants to pause for a day to look beyond their own challenges and appre-ciate how great it is to be part of the greater good.

From the WFAN and “Imus years,” when the Cox Classic flew beneath the AT&T banner and ballooned with support from le-gions of the company’s partners and suppliers, to our more intimate size today, we’ve had no shortage of inspiration—thanks to some extraordinary people. Yes, there have been celebrities and ‘big names,’ but also true difference mak-ers, recipients of our support who have dealt with the worst that life can dish out and who bring substance to the word

“hero,” including: Chris Fallon, a leukemia victim as a child who persevered and shared his story

with us at the 9th Annual when he was 19 and a star baseball player for

St. John’s University, and today is a father of three young sons

and lives happily with wife, Tiffany, in Pennsylvania; young Michael Romano, of Bayonne, a baseball player and Yankees lover who was interviewed on stage at the 14th Annual but ultimately lost his seven-year battle at

age 11 in 2004; Jodi Inverso, who was fighting and beating

back breast cancer when she addressed the Cox Classic faithful

at the 20th Annual and who today is Vice President of Brand Management and

Communications at United Way of Greater Mercer County; Rob Long, keynote speaker at the 23rd Annual who waged a miraculous war on brain cancer in his senior

year as a student-athlete at Syracuse University and who had to abandon his NFL dreams but did so with a masterful

stroke – a master’s degree from the Newhouse School of Com-munication; and of course, Jack Szigety, whom we first met at the 16th Annual when he was an 11-year-old just emerging from a fierce battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Jack’s poise and grace at the podium on that fall afternoon is the stuff of legend and forever endeared him to the Cox Classic, an event at which he would play a leading role every year through 2011.

Welcome“Next time I’m gonna put it (neuroblastoma) in a can and send it

to Mars, and it’s never coming back.”

10/6/14

Michael Romano in his favorite uniform


Susan Campbell ~ David Chmiel ~ Henry Cox ~ John Dowd ~ Michael FalettoSusan Campbell ~ David Chmiel ~ Henry Cox, Chairman Emeritus ~ John Dowd ~ Michael Faletto ~ Paul Ferriero

Mike Forrestall ~ Fred Greenspan ~ Mike Marion ~ Tim Omaggio ~ Rich Szigety ~ Chris Thedinga13 Fredon-Marksboro Road, Newton, NJ 07860 / (973) 600-2848 / www.coxcharityclassic.com

Today, we are happy to report, Jack is a junior pre-med major at the University of Notre Dame.

The Cox Classic has also featured brilliant writers with person-al perspectives on “the fight” including Hamilton Jordan, Dan Barry, and Kathleen O’Brien. And brilliant scientists who are in the front lines battling cancer: Dr. Michael Harris, Dr. Deborah Toppmeyer, and Dr. Robert DiPaolo.

And over these many years, we’ve learned that 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes. But against that stark reality, we’ve also learned that progress is being made in the war on cancer: the nation’s cancer death rate has decreased 20% since the early 1990s, reversing decades of increases. More effective drugs, personalized medicine, and precise targeting of drug ther-apy have contributed to that progress while lessening the physical toll on those in the fight. Today, thanks to research and clinical trials at places like the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey – our beneficiary for the 25th Annual – great news and outcomes full of possibil-ities are replacing sad news for many families and victims of can-cer. For that we are all grateful.

In fact, gratefulness is in no short supply when thinking about 25 years of fundraising through the Cox Classic. The contributions – financial and otherwise – have been so diverse, affirming, and unpredictable. Like in 2004 when CBS golf satirist and on-course commentator David Feherty served as auctioneer at the post-golf reception, and provided one of the best zingers in Classic’s history (aimed, by the way, at the wife of Don Imus), and then exited stage right. On his way out the door, he stopped, handed me a wadded up ball of cash and said, “I collected this on the course today; put it to good use.” More than $700,000 was raised that year - including $595 from Mr. Feherty.

In more recent years, we’ve also met catalyst for change and breast cancer awareness champion Val Skinner, whose boundless passion is helping to educate a new generation of young people and whose work is embodied in the LIFE Center at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Val is a true “pro” (literally: she’s a six-time winner on the LPGA Tour),

who has introduced the Classic to a cadre of fun, phenomenal women golfers:

Charlotta Sorenstam, Rachel Het-herington, Angela Jerman, Vicki Goetze-Ackerman, Tracy Hanson, Eva Dahllof, Christina Kim, Beth Bader, Brittany Lincicome, Laura Diaz, Nicole Hage, Taylor Leon,

Rosie Jones, Karin Sjodin, Brittany Lang, and LPGA legends Jan Ste-

phenson and Pat Bradley.

So where does this leave the Cox Classic? Can the 25th climb to 30? Or beyond? Well, why not? In a nod to both our tournament’s namesake and storied past, let’s build on our success, grow our collective impact,

and create many more first Mondays of October to reunite,

celebrate, and savor.

Until that next first Monday, thanks to all of you for supporting this event, for

taking your swings in the fight against cancer, and for being part of our history and our future.

With deep gratitude,

ChairmanSteven A. Cox Foundation

Jack Szigety and T

he Ca

ptai

n


Steve Cox was born on Long Island, NY, on May 29, 1958. He grew up in Edison, NJ, attended St. Pius High School in Piscataway, graduated from the University of Scranton in

1980, and went on to obtain an MBA with honors from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1983. After graduating from FDU, Steve met Donna Scruggs, whom he married in 1989. Among his many passions in life were golf and running (he ran in the New York City Marathon in 1988), his family, friends and church.

Steve’s professional career began when he accepted a job with AT&T in 1985. For the next five years he would hold a variety of management positions in the company’s advertising and marketing organizations.

In spring of 1989, tests revealed a rare cancerous tumor - usually found only in children - had formed on Steve’s hip bone. For the next 22 months he underwent inten-sive chemotherapy and several operations. Despite significant phys-ical challenges and excruciating pain, Steve remained incredibly strong, positive and focused on beating the disease and performing his job. In fact, he never really gave up the fight. Shortly before Steve’s death, he was awarded the coveted Spirit of Communications award for his contributions to the company’s college marketing program, as well as for the courage and strength he exhibited during his battle with cancer.

Through it all, Steve never lost his unique and upbeat sense of humor. In the waning weeks of his battle, he suggested to his father that in the “unlikely” event of his death, an “I’d rather be sailing” bumper sticker might look good on his casket. Family and friends well remember how his positive thinking helped them cope with his illness.

Steve’s resilience and strength were truly inspirational. His life touched many lives, and continues to

do so today. He died on May 15, 1991 at age 32, shortly after coming to terms

with his disease.

Since his death, Steve’s story has been shared with many people who are undertaking similar challenges. One of his favorite perspectives on life - embodied in the quote above - continues

to help others get through their own obstacles and

misfortunes. It remains a fitting legacy for Steve’s life.

The Inspiration Behind The Event“It’s not what happens to you in life, but how you choose to handle it

that determines your well being”


A lot of time has passed since the 1991 death of our tourna-ment namesake, Steve Cox. Since then, the void created by his absence has been filled, at least in part, by the

amazing evolution of the event that is dedicated to his memory. Once considered among the largest single-day amateur charity golf events in the country, the Cox Classic never purposefully strove to be the biggest. In fact, our reasons for being have remained the same all along: to remember Steve and to help kids, women and families battling cancer. Thanks to our loyal core of partici-pants, volunteers, and corporate spon-sors, the event just keeps rolling along each and every year, extending the tradition, one Cox Classic at a time. And to think that it all started with a simple plan to give a little boost to a good friend...

The spirit of it all.

When the idea was hatched back in early 1990, the goal was modest: Get a few duffers together, play a little golf, and raise some money to help out a friend who was battling cancer. That’s how five AT&T colleagues and three friends from Golf Digest created the “Golf-a-thon for Steve Cox.”

Supporters made pledges on a per-hole basis, and those eight golfers, braving the brisk winds of a long autumn day at Newton Country Club, in Newton, NJ, logged 54 holes on the scorecard. The result: the usual array of slices and shanks, birdies and

bogies - not to mention, 2,800 one-dollar bills, carried in a Golf Digest duffel bag and delivered to an overwhelmed and appre-ciative couple, Steve and his wife, Donna.

Sadly, on May 15, 1991, after waging an inspirational 22-month battle against bone cancer, 32-year-old Steve Cox succumbed

to the disease. Soon afterwards, Steve’s still-grieving friends were moved to make a fateful decision. They would

keep it going: They would make the golf fundraiser an annual event. It would be an ideal way to

remember Steve and his courageous fight. And the money raised could

be used to help others waging a similar battle.

Thus, the seed for the Steven A. Cox Charity Classic was planted.

At the time, nobody could have predicted that through

the years, thousands of golfers would team up to raise

millions of dollars for chari-ty’s sake. But that’s exactly what

happened, and today’s Cox Classic is just another example of people coming together to

celebrate Steve’s life and the lives of all the women, children and families to whom our tournament gives hope.

A Short History of the Cox Classic“It all started with a simple plan to give a little boost to a good friend...”

Giving and caring:They have become

a Cox Classic tradition. Thank you for making it yours, too.


Wall of LoveFriends of Steve generously share their contributions, cherished images, and personal messages…

Steven,We are so very proud of you. You will always be our hero in our hearts and prayers.Your loving family

The golf outing each year in remembrance of Steven is something I have always looked forward to. Just being there and seeing all of Steve’s friends from college and work is so heartwarming, one can’t help feel Steve’s presence among us.Fred Cox

My brother Steven helped us through the terrible ordeal with his positive attitude, spirit and laughter.

I miss him every day. Your loving sister, Eileen

Remembering a wonderful nephew.

You have made your family proud.

Aunt Dits and Uncle Gerry

We continue to be gratified that so many have made such great efforts over many years to do good in our cousin Steven’s name.The Lynches, Gerry Jr., Nan, and Gerry III


Family, friends, and tradition. Every year so many moments to cherish. This photo represents one for me: Early morning sun, the Marion brothers, sons,

and honored friend at the 23rd Annual on October 1, 2012. Photo by brother W.O. Marion.

Mike Marion

The Cox Classic remains an enduring legacyto Steve Cox benefiting children in need.

Steve had a very unique way of giving wedding toasts!See you in the clubhouse, brother.

Carl Fiorini

I am grateful for having Mike Marion in my life. My mom says

that he is as close as I’ll ever get to having a fairy godmother. It

seems like every other week I get a package or a letter, a phone

call from a famous person, or tickets to a sporting event in the

mail. Mikeís name is never on any of it, but that doesn’t fool me

or my clever mom one bit. My mom says that Mike is shameless in

his determination to keep me feeling positive. In so many ways, on

so many levels, he is a success.

Thank you Mike. Thank you my Steven A. Cox Family.

from Jack Szigety’s remarks at the 17th Annual

Congratulations on this special 25th Anniversary – Rich Szigety

I’m proud to be a founding Board Member of SACF and

most importantly a Friend of Steve and the Rutgers

Cancer Institute.

Tim Omaggio

Give to this day Life,The very life of Life.For yesterday is only a Dream,And tomorrow only a Vision;But today Well-livedMakes yesterday a dream of Happiness,And every tomorrow a vision of Hope. Kim Partoll

The Cox Classic--reuniting brothers, uncles, nephews, “Classic” friends and volunteers for a weekend of golf and tall tales of past performances: best weekend of the year. This band of brothers (and son) toast all participants and organizers...Rich Marion

In memory of (Uncle) Ron Lesliewho lost his battle with cancer this year.An avid golfer with a big heart and a great laugh.K. Leslie


Chairman Emeritus Henry Cox, as beloved a presence

as there is at the Cox Classic, delivers a punch line to

the delight of fellow trustees at the 22nd Annual on

October 3, 2011. Photo by Sherb Naulty.

Mike Marion

In loving memory of Uncle Bobby, Grandmaand Umma. You each faced your battle

with cancer with great courage and dignity.Mike & Jun Forrestall

A timeless image from the 17th Annual: after delivering flawless keynote remarks to a packed Fiddler’s Elbow Ballroom, Jack Szigety, age 12,returns to his seat and the loving embraceof mother, Karen. Photo by Sherb Naulty.Mike Marion

Very proud to be a part of the Cox Teamfor many years to come.Dan DeGiulio

Here’s to many more beautiful sunsets for the Cox Classic. Congratulations on 25 years. Cheers.Steve Lanzano

Congratulations to everyone who made these25 years possible. It’s an amazing accomplishment and one we hope will continue for years andyears to come.The Carneys

Congratulations on 25 years of making a difference in so many lives – those who are touched by the great

works that are possible from the funds raised and also the wonderful group of volunteers that has shared so

many events over the years. I feel honored to have been a part of this event and send a heartfelt wish for

continued success in the future! Marylea Schmidt


Nothing like a father-in-law who can golf; exceptmaybe a mother-in-law who can golf. Multi-yearCox Classic participants: Betty & Joe, the best.

Mike

The first golfer in our family.RIP William J. Marion (1914-2000) and our cherished Martha (1911-1974).Your loving sons and daughter

Congratulations Friends of Steve on 25 Years! Donna and Michelle Marionfrom the “16th Annual” (2005)

Kathy Paalz

We’re proud to be Friends of Steve. Congratulations on 25 years of giving!

Mike and Barbara Forrestall

My Beloved Brother Pride...Cherished memories...Forever in my heart

Denise Cox Tiffany

Ruth BogolySusan CampbellJack Ciamello

Ian HallSusan & Frank Kilgannon

Michael MeloneKathy Muldowney

Joan PaglioccoPam Pennell

Chris Thedinga

Memories of Steve and peace and hope to allcancer survivors and victims. Way to go Mike!

Donna Faletto

You’re all heroes to us. Jack Szigety, Chris Fallon


The Cox Classic By The NumbersOr, The Other Shot Heard ‘Round The World...

By Mike Forrestall, Treasurer, Steven A. Cox FoundationTwenty five years of Cox Classic golf lends itself to some serious statistics. Looking back, the only things we haven’t found a way to count are the new friends, great memories, and ways to say “thank you” for your generosity over the past quarter century!

25,249… That’s the aggregate distance, in miles, of golf played over the history of the Classic. Laid end-to-end, our play would more than circle the earth at the equator!!!

That’s the amount raised for each individual hole of golf played by the “Friends of Steve” over the past 24 years!!!

$51.50…

$6,357,350…

That’s the total dollars raised during the first 24 editions of the Classic. Stacked up, 6,357,350 one dollar bills would stand exactly 40 feet taller than the Empire State Building AND the Eiffel tower stacked on top of one another!!!

2…

123,444… That’s the cumulative holes of golf played over the history of the Cox Classic.

13… That’s the number of different courses that have hosted the Classic over its historic run.

• New Jersey National • Newton GC • Roxiticus GC • Crystal Springs GC • Fiddlers Elbow CC (3) • Somerset Hills GC • Hawke Point GC • Stanton Ridge G&CC • Royce Brook GC (2) • Basking Ridge CC

We haven’t just been golfing for good… there’s been some really good golfing too! To wit, there have been two hole-in-ones recorded at the Classic.

It would take eight 55 gallon drums to hold all of the tees used during the first 24 editions.


25th AnnualReception Program Agenda

WelcomeMike Marion

Chair, Steven A. Cox Foundation

Our Presenting SponsorsGreg Geissman, Director, Celgene Corporation

Tim Moonan, CEO, The Hibbert GroupPierre Bohemond, General Manager, New Jersey National

Sprecial ThanksDaniel Sharp

2014-15 Recipient Steven A. Cox Scholarship in Cancer Research at Rutgers University

Toast to Our Tournament’s NamesakeHenry Cox & Family

Friends of Steve VideoKeynote Remarks

Robert S. DiPaola, MDDirector, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

WinnersVal Skinner

LPGA Pros in the Fight to Eradicate Breast Cancer

Raffle WinnersSusan Campbell, Tim Omaggio

Trustee, Steven A. Cox Foundation; President, Steven A. Cox Foundation

Live AuctionDavid Chmiel

Trustee, Steven A. Cox Foundation

Charity Classic

STEVEN A. COX


TThe war against cancer is partic-ularly important for New Jersey, a state that ranks in the top

ten nationally for cancer incidence. While survival rates from cancer are increasing, much remains to be done. Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey was established in 1991, began seeing patients in 1993 and received its original designation from the National Cancer

Institute (NCI) in 1997. The coveted NCI designation is granted competitively to institu-tions characterized by scientific excellence and the ability to bring research discoveries to patients.

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey is our State’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and stands as one of only 41 such centers in the United States. The Cancer Institute of New Jersey has successfully

gained national stature as a recog-nized leader in research and clinical care − developing the latest medicines and clinical trials, conducting screen-ings that have resulted in life-saving discoveries for many citizens of New

Jersey, and serving as a magnet for the country’s leading cancer researchers, clinicians, hospitals and industry.

The Cancer Institute of New Jersey is one of the

leading cancer research facilities in the country attracting millions of dollars each year

in federal, state and private source grants. The Cancer Institute of New Jersey research programs and core facilities enhance and support the cancer research of close to 200 members at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, School of Public Health and New Jersey Medical School, as well as Princeton University, and the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton.

Rutgers Cancer Institute of N.J.A Formidable Foe in the Fight...


Research is currently being conducted in areas including: Preci-sion medicine, systems biology, oncogenesis, epidemiology, chemical carcinogenesis, tumor virology and immunology, autophagy, drug development and resistance, the relationship between cellular and genetic alterations and tumor develop-ment, population science, cancer control and prevention, bioin-formatics, and cancer genomics.

Basic scientists, clinical researchers, and population scientists meet regularly to exchange information and ensure that laboratory discoveries are refined and applied to clinical care as quickly as possible, that clinical observa-tions reach laboratory researchers on a continuing basis, and that prevention strategies are interwoven in to all research programs.

Understanding the molecular and biological nature of cancer influences how physicians at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey think about cancer prevention, prognosis and treatment. Information about molecular and biological characteristics of a tumor can be used to design more rigorous treatment strategies for patients who cannot be cured by current standard methods. Opportunities to manage cancer have increased and clinical trials have yielded results that will have a profound effect in the prevention and treat-ment of many cancers.

New Jersey’s citizens have benefited greatly from access to in-state quality care provided by Cancer Institute physicians The Cancer Institute of New Jersey delivers advanced compre-hensive care that incorporates the varied disciplines that define advanced state-of-the-art approaches for adults and children, providing access to the latest medicines and most advanced treatment options available. The Cancer Institute manages

more than 100,000 patient visits annually to its New Brunswick facility and along with its statewide

Network of hospitals, treats one-third of New Jersey’s cancer patients.

A dedicated team of nation-ally renowned specialists including medical oncolo-gists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, social workers and nurses identify and meet the needs of the individual. Each multidis-

ciplinary team focuses on a specific disease and is led by

a physician who is a clinical and academic expert in the cause and

treatment of that disease. The Cancer Institute of New Jersey is committed to

treating each and every patient with the utmost compassion and respect, and providing treatment options such as clinical trials that are as unique as the patients themselves.

Clinical trials test new treatments and new ways of using existing treatments for cancer. At the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, researchers use these studies to answer questions about a treatment and to make sure it is safe and effective. There

“...along with its statewide Network of hospitals, treats one-third of New Jersey’s cancer patients.”

Charity Classic

STEVEN A. COX

Dr. Robert DiPaola


are several types of clinical trials currently underway at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey including treatment, preven-tion, screening and behavioral/quality of life. As New Jersey’s only NCI- designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, patients have access to treatment options not available at other insti-tutions within the state. The Cancer Institute of New Jersey currently enrolls more than 3,000 patients or approximately 17% of all new adult cancer patients and approximately 70% of all pediatric cancer patients seen at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey.

Multidisciplinary, clinical programs at the Cancer

Institute of New Jersey include: Stacy Gold-stein Breast Cancer Center, Gastrointestinal/Hepato-biliary Oncology Program, Fannie E. Rippel Center for Women’s Reproductive Cancers, Leukemia / Lymphoma / Hematologic Malignancies, Liver Cancer and Bile Duct Cancer Care Program, Melanoma and Soft Tissue Oncology Program, Neuro-oncology Program, Pediatric Hematology / Oncology Program, Phase I /Developmental Therapeutics Program, Prostate Cancer Program, Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Thoracic Oncology Program, and Urologic Oncology Program.

THE LATEST$10 Million Pledge to Rutgers

to Advance Treatment of Cancer PatientsTwo-year gift will support precision medicine approach involving clinical practice, research and teaching; clinical trials will benefit patients with rare and resistant cancers

A $10 million anonymous pledge to the Rutgers University Foun-dation will help advance the treatment of patients with rare and

virulent cancers that don’t respond to standard therapies.

The gift will strengthen the university’s research and clinical practice of identifying genetic abnormalities that make tumors cancerous and using those details to fine-tune treatment. This rapidly growing approach to research and care is known as precision medicine.

The gift, to be given over two years, will increase the number of patients that Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey can serve in clinical trials of targeted therapies. It will enhance their care


Charity Classic

STEVEN A. COX

$10 Million Pledge to Rutgers to Advance Treatment of Cancer Patients

From left,Shridar Ganesan, Medical Oncologist,

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey; Andrew Brooks, Chief Operating Officer,

RUCDR Infinite Biologics;Robert Dipaola, Director, Rutgers Cancer

Institute of New Jersey; Jay Tischfield, Chief Executive Officer,

RUCDR Infinite Biologics; and Linda Brzustowicz, Professor and Chair,

Department of Genetics,School of Arts and Sciences.

Photo: Nick Romanenko, Rutgers University

by quickly and more precisely identifying the genetic mutations that cause or accelerate the growth of their cancers.

“We will be able to analyze patients’ tumors – their individual tumors – in a way we never could before,” said Robert DiPaola, director of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-des-ignated comprehensive cancer center. “We will do that by bringing together expertise across many disci-plines at Rutgers, from physicians who take care of patients to laboratories that do research on genetic abnormalities.”

THE RECIPIENT2014-15 Steven A. Cox Scholarship

in Cancer Research at Rutgers UniversityDaniel Sharp grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and attended Brigham Young University, where he received a Bachelor’s of Science in Physiology and Developmental Biology in 2012. It was at BYU

that he first began studying cancer. He earned the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)-Thomas J. Bardos

Science Education Award, granted to prom-ising undergraduate students majoring

in science to inspire them to enter the field of cancer research.

Daniel was invited to attend and present his research at the AACR Conference the last two years. At the same time, Daniel was accepted into the

Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson MD/PhD dual degree program.

After completing his first 2 years of medical school, he is currently

working toward his PhD. Daniel is working in the laboratory

of Edmund Lattime, PhD, Associate Director for Education and Training at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and Professor of Surgery, Biochemistry

and Molecular Biology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson

Medical School. Dr. Lattime’s lab focuses on immunotherapy and

gene therapy of solid tumors, tumor immunology and cancer vaccines.

Daniel has long been interested in cancer immunology and immunotherapy, seeking ways to adjust and adapt one’s natural immune systems to combat cancer. During a rotation in Dr. Lattime’s lab he studied the effect of regulatory T cells on the growth of breast cancer in a mouse model. His current research plan is to further investigate the role of the immune system in pancreatic cancer, and use that understanding to develop improved treatment modalities.

Dam

iel S

harp


Val Skinner “Friends of Steve” love Val, a regular at the Classic since 2006 and force behind LPGA Pros in the Fight to Eradicate Breast Cancer. The founder of the Val Skinner Foun-dation is a six-time winner on the LPGA Tour, whose post-ca-reer accomplishments include creation of the LIFE Center at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Val’s also a commenta-tor for the Golf Channel, and if all that weren’t enough, she even has the “Scranton crew” in the palm of her hand!

Dr. Robert DiPaola Yes, he’s the visionary leader of the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Yes, he was an integral member of the team which recently landed a $10 million gift that will help advance the treatment of patients with rare and virulent cancers unresponsive to standard therapies. Yes, he’s been the Chief of Medical Oncology at the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School since 2006. But beyond all that, he’s a golfer. What’s not to love!

Pat Bradley Pat was a lively participant at the 24th Annual and is the most “decorated” golfer to ever appear at the Cox Clas-sic—amassing 31 LPGA Tour victories, including six majors. In fact, “Major” Bradley is the only LPGA player to ever win three majors in a single season. Her career earnings record was trailblazing as well: Pat was the first player to cross the $2 million, $3 million, and $4 million thresholds. But more than anything, Pat is fun!

Also joining us this year... Stephanie Sparks Golf Channel’s on-course reporter who has conducted post-round interviews at Nationwide and LPGA Tour events in 2009; first-timer at the Cox Classic; has game!

Our Symetra Tour Players with us today...Marissa Steen, Kendall Dye, Veronica Felibert, Lee Lopez, Brittany Altomare, Olivia Jordan-Higgins

Friends & LuminariesWe are honored to have these stellar people back with us

at the 25th Annual…


LIFE Funded Programs

BioCONECT (Biology of Cancer, Online Education Connecting Teens), an innovative

curriculum for biology and science courses, is designed to improve science skills and increase

awareness of breast cancer among high school students. Through age-appropriate activities,

students develop problem solving and decision making skills, apply their knowledge of biology,

expand their understanding of genetics and explore relationships between science and technology.

Using breast cancer as the context, students also learn how cancer develops, identify risk factors

for cancer and investigate ways to reduce cancer risk. BioCONECT teaching techniques include

an interactive online forum, problem-based learning, small group activities, role-plays, hands-on

experiments and case studies.

BOLD (Bioconect Oncology Leadership Development) is a High School summer learning

opportunity that provides the students with a hands-on experience in a real world setting,

designed to be an intensive immersion into the world of science and health care. The students

work directly with the doctors and professionals in the field; learning about a variety of careers

through those that do them every day. Students go through the actual process involved in treating

cancer themselves. BOLD helps to create a beginning for a life-long education in the sciences

while teaching the students the importance of taking BOLD action to be proactive about their own

health advocacy.

Hereditary Oncology Prevention and Education (HOPE) Program provides genetic counseling

and risk assessment for individuals concerned about their risk to develop cancer. Cancer genetic

counseling helps young women recognize the role family history plays in cancer risk, and

understand when genetic testing is appropriate. Young women who attend the LIFE Center are

counseled about available medical options to manage their risk and are provided with a

management plan tailored to their unique level of risk.

LIFE funds also provide support for prominent researchers in the field of breast cancer genetics as

they study hereditary factors that may cause early onset breast cancer. These researchers are

examining how genetic variations between individuals influence a woman’s personal breast

cancer risk or a woman’s response to specific treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy.

October 6, 2014

Dear Friends of Steve,Twenty-five is quite a milestone and tribute to your friend and tournament namesake, Steve Cox. Having been a “friend of Steve” myself since 2005, I know how much effort has gone into the Cox Charity Classic, and how much impact the event has had—something for which you should all feel a great deal of pride.

As someone who can particularly relate to the process of turning a loss into a gain, I applaud your commitment, per-sistence, and vigilance in preserving the legacy of Steve. For me, inspiration also came from a friend and fellow LPGA Tour player, Heather Farr, who died from breast cancer in 1993 at age 28—just a few years younger than Steve when he passed. Heather’s death meant there needed to be a stronger message sent to caution young women about the disease, and that provided me with all the direction I needed to start LIFE, LPGA pros In the Fight to Eradicate breast cancer.

Your support of the Cox Charity Classic is so important to the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey—and to the LIFE Center at the Institute. The LIFE Center is a place where young women can come to improve their understanding of their risk to develop breast cancer and to learn about appropriate prevention and screening strategies. In the world of mission-driven fundraising, I can’t imagine a more important mission.

So savior the moment: as you celebrate 25 years of the Cox Charity Classic. I believe Steve and Heather would insist on a standing ovation, not just for commitment and consistency demonstrated but for the true meaning of friendship.

Sincerely,Val SkinnerFounder of LIFE and Friend of Steve


October 6, 2014

Dear Friends of Steve,

It’s hard to believe, 25 years ago, eight people decided to have a golf marathon in honor of my brother Steven. At the time, we teased them about how difficult it must have been to endure so many holes of golf in one day. I will never forget how excited my brother was when they stopped by his home and presented him with a duffle bag filled with one dollar bills. He was so touched and overwhelmed that his friends would do this for him. Being the humble person he was, he didn’t realize this kind gesture was to satisfy their need to help a friend. They wanted to do something special for Steve but little did they know, this "mini golf marathon" would be the foundation of the “Cox Charity Classic”; one of the most successful charity golf tournaments in the country.

It is amazing how the same enthusiasm and kindness of the original eight golfers who played 25 years ago, continues today, and has grown to include many of his colleagues, college friends, family, and those inspired by the story of his life. What a legacy he has left behind.

Whether you’ve joined us on the golf course or made an online donation, your participation and support of this golf tournament means so much to our family and is extremely important to all who are suffering from this terrible disease. Unfortunately, each one of us will be impacted by cancer in one way or another. Our loss came on May 15, 1991; we lost a husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. You have kept his memory alive, and for this, we are forever grateful.

When you reflect on this day, we hope you will say to yourself "Wow, I am part of something really special…now, what can I do to improve my short game!”

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Cox Paalz, on behalf ofThe Cox Family


First of all, congratulations! Knowing that today marks

25 years of running this event should fill you with pride.

It is truly an amazing day, and a lot of hard work goes

into making it run so smoothly. Although I have only been

a member since 2005, and on leave for the past couple of

years, I feel like I’ve been with you for much longer. I can

honestly say that I feel this way because of you all. The

sense of belonging and community is what

kept me coming back to this wonder-

ful event (it sure wasn’t my golf

game, despite the lucky shot

I hit years ago). The people

who come to this event are

special, there’s no doubt

about it. Being treated

like a celebrity when I

arrived to the practice

range each year made

me happier than you know.

It was incredible to have so

many people approach me in

the morning to tell me how glad they

were to see me at The Cox Classic.

These past two years I’ve been at college, when the day

on my calendar that marks the Classic rolled around, I

couldn’t help but be disappointed that I was all the way

out in South Bend.

I hope that today, you all reflect on the good that this event

does, whether you’ve been here since day 1 (looking at you,

Scranton boys), or this is your first time at the event. The

charities that you’ve supported over the years are so deserv-

ing, and you’ve managed to give so much, while making such

great moments along the

way. I keep my Cox Classic

memories, and my Cox Classic

family, very close to my heart.

So from the bottom of my heart, congrat-

ulations again, and thank you for all of the support

you’ve given me. Enjoy the day!

Sincerely,

Jack Szigety

Dear Members of the Cox Family“Enjoy the day!”


October 6, 2014 Dear Friends of Steve, Once again, it is our pleasure to congratulate all of the participants in and supporters of the Cox Charity Classic, particularly on the 25th anniversary of this amazing event. Your efforts continue to make a significant difference in the lives of those touched by cancer. At Celgene, we share your dedication to improving the lives of patients with cancer and other serious diseases and continue our unrelenting pursuit of new and innovative therapies. We are honored to partner each year with the Stephen A. Cox Foundation and salute the tremendous work you do on behalf of patients everywhere. Please accept our congratulations on this signature anniversary event and let us add our most heartfelt thanks to the many supporters that make it possible. Sincerely,

Greg Geissman Director, Public Relations Celgene Corporation


Committed to Improvingthe Lives of Patients Worldwide®

www.celgene.com


Comprehensive Marketing Services

400 Pennington Avenue, P.O. Box 8116, Trenton, NJ 08650-0116 1-888-HIBBERT ext. 6867 Fax: 609-222-6890

September 5, 2014

Friends of Steve,

Welcome to the 25th annual Cox Classic. Your participation in the Cox Classicenables the Steven A. Cox Foundation to support Rutgers Cancer Institute of NewJersey.

The Cox Classic is more than just a great day of golf with friends and colleagues. It isa day of remembering Steve Cox and supporting people dedicated to finding a curefor cancer.

We are proud of our long term association with the event. We congratulate the CoxFoundation for 25 years of dedication, commitment and support of the charities.

On behalf of the employees of The Hibbert Group I thank you for your participationand hope that you have a fantastic day of golf, competition and friendship.

Sincerely,

Timothy J. MoonanChief Executive OfficerThe Hibbert Group


For more information, please call 1-888-HIBBERT (442-2378) ext. 6867, or visit us at www.hibbertgroup.com.

The Hibbert Group is proud to once again serve as Presenting Sponsor for the 25th Annual Steven A. Cox Charity Classic and its worthwhile causes.

Comprehensive Marketing Services

We applaud your impressive efforts!


October 6, 2014 Dear Friends of Steve, The Cox Charity Classic has become a staple event on the New Jersey National Golf Club calendar, and I’m thrilled that NJN is once again the host venue for this distinguished event. While The Cox Classic is about camaraderie and enjoying an autumn day playing a great golf course with friends and colleagues, it’s also about giving back. In fact, the philanthropic side of this event is what truly makes it one of the premier charitable events in the region, and it’s a privilege for Empire Golf Management to be part of such a special day. It’s great to see Val Skinner’s continued support and participation. Thanks to the commitment of so many individuals, this event pays tribute to the life of Steven A. Cox, while benefiting the wonderful work being done at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. The golf course is in great shape, and the staff at New Jersey National is here to ensure that the 25th Annual Cox Charity Classic is a memorable experience. Sincerely,

Eric Bergstol Owner & Founder Empire Golf Management


Empire Golf Management &New Jersey National Golf Club

welcome all “Friends of Steve”

A premier private golf club nestled among the sweeping Somerset Hills, New Jersey National boasts 18-holes of

Championship Golf and the casually elegant Red Oak Grille restaurant, featuring terrace dining with breathtaking views of the

Watchung Mountains and serving as an ideal venue to host business meetings or special events for any occasion.

www.NewJerseyNational.com

For information on membership, golf outings or special events, please contactPierre Bohemond at 908.781.9400 ext. 1104 or [email protected].

Ask about our “Flex-Biz” Golf program!


FRIENDS OF STEVE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON

We Honor Our Brother Steve with Friendship, Love and Loyalty


2013 Cox Classic Champs: Kevin Monaghan, John Moore, Bill Bergen, John Kearney with LPGA great Pat Bradley.

The Coveted Cox Classic Cup

DEFENDING CHAMPS

Charity Classic

STEVEN A. COX


Teams Of DistinctionWith 66 winning foursomes over the past 24 years, we’ve simply outgrown the Winner’s Trophy. Immortalized here are the past champs of the Cox Classic…

2013NEW JERSEY NATIONALBill Bergen, John Moore, Kevin Monaghan, John Kearney

2012NEW JERSEY NATIONALRick Zeien, John Barletta, Mark Mitola and Dan Lynn

2011NEW JERSEY NATIONALJohn Moore, Kevin Monaghan, John Kearney, Bill Bergen

2010NEW JERSEY NATIONALDan Greenspan, Kevin Riordan, Brad Franks, Thomas Lantzounis

2009NEW JERSEY NATIONALRich Marion, John Marion, Bill Marion,Steve Marion, Matt Marion

2008FIDDLER’S ELBOW RIVERTom Consol, Mike Kalinak, Bill Stake, Chet Oldakowski

FIDDLER’S ELBOW MEADOWBill Bergen, Tom Bishop, John Kearney, John Moore

2007ROYCE BROOK GOLF CLUBChet Oldakowski, Bill Stake, Michael Kalinak, Tom Consol

2006FIDDLER’S ELBOW RIVERCarl Carlson, Michael Collins, Dick Heptig, Jeff Starr

2006 (cont.)FIDDLER’S ELBOW MEADOWGrant Hendricks, Mike Racanelli, Rich Racanelli, Joe Roberto

FIDDLER’S ELBOW FORESTTodd Christie, Michael Davis,Stephen Mara, Brian Toolan

HAWK POINTEKen Peterson, Bob Schwartz, Jerry Setzer, Phil Zusi

2005BASKING RIDGE C.C.Morris Eliasoff, John Farugia, Josh Garey, Steve Kalman

NEW JERSEY NATIONALAllen Mendelson, Carl Carlson, Richard Heptig, Joe Walsh

FIDDLER’S ELBOW RIVERThomas Hauck, Patrick Rauchet, Bill Eifert, Jamie Benton

FIDDLER’S ELBOW MEADOWRobert Kantor, Bruce Rittenberg, Lou Polonkay, Scott Klatsky

FIDDLER’S ELBOW FORESTRick Bebiasi, Danny Cifelli, Pete Dasaro, Todd Christie

2004ROYCE BROOK EASTBill Allen, Warren Dodge, Josh Weingast, Gus DiBiase

ROYCE BROOK WESTDale Shankland, Alvaro Sanz, Sherman Spencer, Ron Kotz

NEW JERSEY NATIONALDoug Roeder, George Otras, John Donnelly, Alex Mironovich

2004 (cont.)FIDDLER’S ELBOW RIVERMike Breen, Bob Carney, Julie Carney, Mike Marion

FIDDLER’S ELBOW MEADOWGreg Wienboldt, Rudy Agostino, Tony Heaton, Bill Lees

FIDDLER’S ELBOW FORESTJohn Nesvig, Neil Mulcahy, Steve McKiernan, Toby Byrne

STANTON RIDGEJack Conway, Rob Dicarlo, Ken Fivek

ROYCE BROOK EASTJoe Gallo, Dean DelVecchio, Ron Spears, Tony Leggio

2003ROYCE BROOK WESTJohn Kearney, Thom Bishop, John Moore, Kevin Monaghan

NEW JERSEY NATIONALJohn Donofrio, Michael Donofrio, Fred Gorra, John Mignone

FIDDLER’S ELBOW RIVEREd Brauman, Keith Brauman, Dave Dance, Mike Mancini

FIDDLER’S ELBOW MEADOWBill Cunningham, Gary Helm, Kevin Kelly, Walt Ward

FIDDLER’S ELBOW FORESTJack Frekker, Jon Nesvig, Connie Weaver, Chris Wightman

2002FIDDLER’S ELBOW MEADOWMark Nolan, John Fabian, Bob Melvin, Dennis Donnelly

Charity Classic

STEVEN A. COX


Teams Of Distinction2002 (cont.)FIDDLER’S ELBOW RIVERGary Helm, Bill Cunningham, Walt Ward,Randy Cherkas

FIDDLER’S ELBOW FORESTJim McFarland, Lou Jablonski, Tom Clark, Regina Egea

STANTON RIDGEIan Perrin, Chris Kurtz, Alan Goldin, Lee Albertson

NEW JERSEY NATIONALCathy Constable, Jeff Constable, Ron Furman, Judith Kenny

FIDDLER’S ELBOW MEADOWJohn Nesvig, Neil Mulchahy, Steve McKiernan, Toby Byrne

FIDDLER’S ELBOW RIVERBob Carney, Julie Carney, Mike Marion, Father Tom Hartman

2001FIDDLER’S ELBOW FORESTCliff Clark, Tim O’Brien, Dave Peacock, Gene Thaw

STANTON RIDGEBob Bruder, Chris Kurtz,Ian Perrin, Alan Goldin

NEW JERSEY NATIONALGary Helm, Michael Jagacki, Phyllis Sullivan, Vince Zuza

2000SOMERSET HILLSBo Dietl, Steven Witkoff, John Kelly, Neil Clark

FIDDLER’S ELBOW MEADOWJohn Cafaro, Keith Lerch, Bill Blades, Andy Fusco

FIDDLER’S ELBOW RIVERAlan Aiken, Christopher Czekaj, Kevin Leslie, Kevin Hanft

2000 (cont.)FIDDLER’S ELBOW FORESTMichael King, Toby Price, John Donnelly, Jon Kayser

STANTON RIDGEJeff Long, Jim Deam, Bob Failing

1999SOMERSET HILLSJim Bellis, Mike Lupica, Dave Renzulli, Brian Thebault

STANTON RIDGERay Dundas, Bill Morningstar, Jed Petrick, Jay Altmeyer

FIDDLER’S ELBOW MEADOWJack Griffin, Michael Liu, Larry Travaglia, Roger Clarke

FIDDLER’S ELBOW RIVERRon Bozak, A. Freedburg, Gerry Helm, Jerry Lewis

NEW JERSEY NATIONALTom Bishop, Bill Dittman, Kevin Monaghan, John Moore

1998SOMERSET HILLSSteve Witkoff, Bo Dietl, Jeffery Goldberger, David Edelsteine

FIDDLER’S ELBOW MEADOWTom Campbell, Chris Czekaj, Allen Aiken, Mark Agostinelli

FIDDLER’S ELBOW RIVERHarold Morgenstern, Jeff Mahl, Bob Igiel, Lou Koskovocis

STANTON RIDGEJohn Moore, Thom Bishop, Kevin Monoghan, Tom Kearney

1997FIDDLER’S ELBOW MEADOWDavid Epstein, Dick White, Bernie Kosar, Mark Gordon

1997 (cont.)FIDDLER’S ELBOW RIVERBetty Tolerico, Joe Tolerico, Pete Granwehr, John Morales

STANTON RIDGERon Furman, Brian Sikorsky, Howard Hambleton, Chris Kenealy

1996FIDDLER’S ELBOW MEADOWJeff Bauer, Bill Donlin, John Gutman, Dan Fleishman

FIDDLER’S ELBOW RIVERLori Davis, Gary Fuller, Jerry Wakin, John Schule

1995KNOLL COUNTRY CLUBDave Long, Bob Forbes, Nancy Telliho, George Burnett

1994CRYSTAL SPRINGS C.C.Tom Evans, Doug Ritter, Kim Hillers, Mark Dowley

1993ROXITICUS COUNTRY CLUBMark Syp, Bob Carlin, Russ Terry, Steve Nazaryk

1992ROXITICUS COUNTRY CLUBBob Carney, Mike Marion, John Morales, Bob Schwartz

1991ROXITICUS COUNTRY CLUBMother Nature

1990NEWTON COUNTRY CLUBJim Stanton, Bill Donlin, Steve Block, Chuck FuggerJim Keplesky, Geoff Russell, Julie Hug, Mike Marion

Charity Classic

STEVEN A. COX


Friends For Life


Charity Classic

STEVEN A. COX

Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do

2001

1997

1995

2013

2012

2003

1996


1998

2011

2002

2000

Classic covers through the yearsBy Phil Zusi

Twenty years ago I was given an opportunity to work on the book for the “Sixth Annual Steven A. Cox Charity Classic”. At the time I’m sure I thought “This should be quick and easy” ... 16 pages ... you say you

want a PrePaid phone card tipped in with parchment? Uh, sure... Mike, is this billable? And so it began...

It’s been twenty years for me (with a couple years off after a move to Tex-as). Helping out on the creative side of the event has been challenging, fun, frustrating ... but always rewarding. I truly miss the day of the event, seeing friends and colleagues, taking part in the golf, and enjoying the reception at the end of the day. Inevitably, I always walked away humbled, honored and proud that I could contribute in a small way to the success of such a cause in the memory of Steve Cox.

1995: My first. Sixteen pages with a PrePaid card tipped into the book. Learn ing about Steve. Developing an appreciation for the cause. AND get ting to know the force that is Mike Marion.

1996: The book grows to 60 pages (see comment about Mike above). The cov er featured a vintage foursome photo which featured Mike’s dad.

1997: A simple cover design with a powerful message printed with a gold foil stamp.

1998: Probably my favorite. The simplest of messages – and it beat Met Life’s “For the IF in LIFE” campaign by three years. Coincidence? This book was featured in PRINT MAGAZINE’s national design annual.

2000: Continuing the “Life” concept. The cover is fine, but the inside fea tured metallic inks and two different stocks (for any design geeks out there).

2001: After a few months of putting together the book we had to scrample to produce a design which recognized the horrible events of 9/11 – a tragedy which affected so many of us.

2002: The concept was built around the definition of Inspiration and also reflected in Mike’s annual letter.

2003: “Friends” worked on many different levels. From our continuing friend ships with each other to the children this event assists.

2011, 2012, 2013: Why group these together? These three covers were actu ally all designed at the same time and used in consecutive years. If you look closely, the 2012 version has “22nd Annual” on it – just like the 2011 version. Don’t go looking for your 2012 Classic journal. It’s only like that here and was printed the correct way.


Committed to helping others for 25 years.

ASCORP-444

As it celebrates a milestone, the Cox Classic continues to be dedicated to a great cause — helping people in need.

Asurion is proud to support the Cox Classic and the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. We too remain true to our mission of helping over 280 million customers stay connected.

To learn more about Asurion,visit www.asurion.com.

ASCORP-444_Cox Classic ad 2014 03.indd 1 9/3/14 1:55 PM2014 Classic Cover.indd 38 9/23/14 4:09 PM

s

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9/3/14 1:55 PM

Interactive Design, Marketing and StrategyTo view our other interactive projects, please visit us at HaddadPartners.com

Haddad & Partners is proud to launch the new CoxCharityClassic.com We look forward to many more years of collaboration with the Steven A. Cox Foundation.


LIKE THE COX CLASSIC, WE STARTED OFF AS A SMALL TEAM WITH A BIG IDEA…

CONGRATULATIONS ON 25 YEARS!!!

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Good Influence®, driving realization of the full possibilities of social media


Celebrating “Friends of Steve” for 25 years

FormCo is a proud supporter of The Cox Classic and all of those who have bravely fought cancer

www.formco.net

Working Together | Helping Others | Creating Solutions


By Eugene Innocenti (Gene Innocenti@ATTUniversity)

As a relatively recent phenomena in the evolution of hu-man interaction, Twitter has found its niche as a driver of “buzz,” trends, or just useless information via highly

economical messages of no more 140-characters (so if you’re long winded, you’re probably not “tweeting”). Twitter also has its own language of hashtagology in which the “#” becomes a sort of organizing principle: so users can group posts together by topic or type by use of hashtags. If you already use Twitter, we’re sorry if we’ve put you to sleep. For others less ad-venturesome into the social media network-ing space, we hope that primer helps put the following “what if”—what if Twitter was around earlier in the Cox Classic’s history—tweets into context…

#JimNantz arrives at CC, greeted by lead volunteer #SusanCampbell. Gene: whattaya think of him? Susan? Hello? #starstruck #inlovewithJim #giddyallday #hellofriendsindeed!

#Maddog skips stop at re-stroom sink after doing his biz during break at 2002 FAN Radiothon. Greets Geno with hearty handshake. #pphands #clearlynota-germaphobe #cantnotshakethedamnhand

#SergioGarcia helicopters in to CC at dawn, plays 18 holes at Somerset Hills with VIPs, helicopters out. Day after Europe lost #RyderCup at Brookline. Freaking Sergio Garcia!#forgottomention:drankandpartiedallnightnightbefore

#Imus interviewing #ATT chairman Dave Dorman live at the CC on #MSNBC: Imus: Mike Marion does a great job; DD: who?#Knowyouremployees #Mikewho? #Davewho?!

Chuck informs CC guest and supporter #JackWelch his shirt tail is sticking out of unzipped fly. #zipperfailure-calltheengi-neers! #clearlymissing his handlers! #savedtheCEO #Ibrin-igmythingtolife

Expletive tirade from WFAN’s #MikeFrancesca when #Fid-dlersElbow sandwiches arrive at remote radio booth with-out mustard, mayo, ketchup. #wherestheeffingcondiments #heatethemanyway #thosewerentbadbringmore

Skunk tries to join early gathers of the 2000 event in Fid-dlers ballroom just as Imus arrives for broad-

cast. Pulling out gun he says, want me to shoot it? #pickyourpoison #call-

theaspca #hewouldhavedoneit

Crank call to #WFAN crew: #BoDietl has massive heart attack. Caller turns out to be Dietl himself. #Imus faints but is revived. #duped #todayApril1?

#SidRosenberg hits on ev-ery female CC volunteer at pre-

event dinner. Retreats to room alone. #struckoutthatnight #who? #whereishe-

now? #whocares?

Errant #Imus tee shot on #Fiddler’s River 18 strikes spectator. Turns out to be Mrs Henry Cox (Steve’s mom). #cantmakethis-stuffup #theoneperson #evelynunphased

eScore trial falls short. Company rep looks like #AlfredENew-man which only magnifies mess. #usethepencil #glitches-hadpeopleinstiches #wascoolfor15minutes

#MikeFrancesca in golf cart pushed up Fiddler’s hill by CC vol-unteers #Chuck and #Geno. Watch the roll back. #heaintheavy

Twitter & The Classic: What if...# # # # # # #


If you LOVE the event, LIKE us on facebook!

Check us out on facebook (“Cox Charity Classic”) and keep abreast of all things Cox Classic: get the scoop on special guests, prizes and other details of upcoming events, check out pictures from the Classic‘s history, catch the latest news from RU CINJ, stay in touch with fellow “Friends of Steve”, and more…

COX CLASSIC HISTORY: this Labor Day weekend presents a great opportunity to thank all of our volunteers who make the Cox Classic run so smoothly. There are so many wonderful images of volunteers over the years, but this one remains one of our favorites!

COX CLASSIC HISTORY: With size comes exposure--in this case, the Pulaski Skyway, in recognition of another CC milestone: $5 million raised! (Of course the production and media costs were donated!)

COX CLASSIC HISTORY: there was just 18 golfers at the "2nd Annual" on October 11, 1991, including this group of Steve's University of Scranton buddies, and an AT&T'er and colleague of Steve (included here for good measure). $2,000 was raised for the Tomorrows Children's Fund, proving that even charity golf events need to crawl before they can walk...

COX CLASSIC HISTORY: A mere 20-days after the tragedy of 9-11, with NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani imploring New Yorkers to "get back to normal," the Cox Classic got down to business, raising $640,000--in-cluding $90,000 for the 'Widows' and Children's' Fund of the FDNY/NYPD...

Charity Classic

STEVEN A. COX


The 2001 Cox Classic was scheduled for October 1, and that was most unfortunate timing. The entire coun-try – much of the civilized world, for that matter – was

still in a state of shock in the wake of the terrorist attacks of 9/11. New York City itself remained deeply in mourning, trying to come to grips with the magnitude of the horrify-ing acts that brought down the World Trade Center build-ings and abruptly ended the lives of more than 2700 people.

As the sickening images of those planes slamming into those

buildings were replayed over and over again – not only on tv screens every-where but soon thereafter in people’s minds where they became indelible – golf quickly slid down the ladder of de-sirable activities.

In fact, in the immediate aftermath of the trag-edy, there was some pressure to cancel the 12th An-nual. A major mouthpiece of the Cox in those days was radio personality Don Imus who used his popular WFAN morning drive time show, Imus in the Morning, to help publicize the event. His

charity, The Imus Ranch – a working 4,000-acre cattle-raising operation in New Mexico designed as getaway to the Old West for children with cancer as well as siblings of SIDS victims – was one of the Classic’s beneficiaries.

His participation in and attendance at the Cox was huge: The Imus Teed Off Challenge attracted a host of celebrities, and as a sort of side show leading up to the reception raised a good sum of money and was also lots of fun.

However, at that point, fun was not top-of-mind for most New Yorkers, including Imus. He was still so shaken by 9/11 that he not only opted out of participating but also recommended pulling the plug alto-

gether for 2001. After all, he had been on the air when the strikes occurred and had

provided a virtual “play-by-play” for his mas-sive listening audience. He simply wasn’t up for it,

and under those circumstances, nobody could blame him.

So with one of the event’s main attractions no longer involved,

To Shut It Down Or To Step It UpThat Was The Question.

By W.O Marion


New York Giant “Shot Heard ‘Round the World’ immortal, Bobby Thomson,

spea

king

at t

he 1

2th

Annu

al.

a dilemma now confronted Mike Marion and his team of orga-nizers: To cancel? Or not to cancel? To dissolve a year’s worth of effort and risk losing hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations already pledged? Or to “get back to work” as New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani urged everyone to do?

In short, to shut it down? Or to step it up?

After consulting with each of the major sponsors – all of whom understood the “keep moving forward” spirit of Mayor Giuliani’s entreaty and agreed with it – Marion and company made their decision: The tournament would proceed as sched-uled, but with a major change of focus.

Thus, in a poignant ceremony at Fid-dler’s Elbow Country Club on the evening of October 1, a crew of New York City Firemen from Engine 92, Ladder 44, in the South Bronx, was rec-ognized for their bravery and selflessness. Honorary Chair Betsy Bernard, Presi-dent and CEO of AT&T Con-sumer Services, then pre-sented them with a $90,000 check, earmarked for the Widows and Children’s Funds of the FDNY and NYPD.

It was, perhaps, the most emotional mo-ment in Cox Classic history, and the do-nation alone justified the decision to pro-ceed. But without Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s rallying cry, it might never have happened. That would have been a shame because many consider it the best Cox Classic ever: Some 600 guests showed up, $570,000 was raised for charity, and for a day, we were all able to transport ourselves out of the shadow of September 11 and into a celebration of the generosity and resiliency of the American spirit.

Highlights of CC12 – 2001

• Former MLB stars Brooklyn Dodger Ralph Branca and New York Giant Bobby Thomson were honored guests. October 2001 marked the 50th anniversary of Thomson’s legendary bottom-of-the-ninth 3-run homer (aka, The Shot Heard Round The World) that won the game 5-4 for the Giants and put them into

the World Series. Branca served up the pitch.

• Rich Whitehouse recorded the second (and last, so far) hole-in-one in tour-

ney history.

• Former NY Giant football great George Martin gave the keynote speech. He stated that he was hum-bled to be in the presence of New York’s Bravest and

reminded us all who the real heroes are.

• FDNY Captain John Sullivan, overwhelmed by the outpouring

from the standing-room-only crowd and the longest standing ovation in Cox history, thanked the audience “…for rec-ognizing the job we perform and for your generosity.”

• Vocalist LaJuan Carter-Dent provided a fitting conclusion to the reception with

a stirring rendition of America the Beautiful.


It’s hard not to love that

Ice-Bucket challenge, right?

Great fun. Great cause. It’s all

over the place. But as I watched – I think it was

the 43rd Facebook video – of a relative, friend, celebrity or

billionaire being doused with ice water and shrieking like a

schoolchild, I was reminded of just what a remarkable thing

the Steven A. Cox Charity Classic is, and, God willing,

will be for decades.

Great fun. Great cause.

For 25 years!

What’s more, thanks to Mike’s

leadership and the unflag-

ging support of Steve’s fam-

ily and friends – you – it’s

done something not at all

easy to do, something popular-

ity can’t accomplish, something

that’s been part of this event’s soul

from year one, and that’s to keep Steve’s

memory vividly alive and in service to the fight

against cancer, especially among women and children.

To date, $6.4 million has been raised for:Tomorrows Children’s FundCJ Foundation for SIDSIMUS RanchWidows and Children’s Fund of NYPD and NYFDSt. Jude Children’s Research HospitalLIFE LPGA Pros in Fight to Eliminate Breast CancerTodd M. Beamer FoundationRutgers University Steven A Cox Scholarship in Cancer Research

This year’s donation will go to

the Rutgers Cancer Institute of

New Jersey, which includes the

Prostate Cancer Program, the LIFE Center, and

the Steven A. Cox Scholarship in Cancer Research.

The Hall of Fame golfer Byron Nelson, who won an amaz-

ing 11 consecutive tournaments in 1945, said of the

golf event that he created in his retirement:

“This is the best thing that ever hap-

pened to me in golf. It’s better than

winning the Masters, better than

the 11 in a row, because it

helps people.”

Which, back in the day, I

thought was a bunch of ma-

larkey. Really Byron? Bigger

than the 11 straight? C’mon.

But now that’s exactly how I feel ev-

ery year when the @#$%!& golf round is

behind us and I hear Steve’s thank you note read,

listen to the annual toast, and watch the video of Steve,

the young friend lost too soon whom we’re determined to

keep with us somehow. A man who, knowing he was going

to lose the fight with cancer, suggested to his father that a

“I’d rather be sailing” bumper sticker might be a nice touch

on his casket.

His words directed to the eight friends who held that original

“golfathon” and raised $2000, was also perfect: “And an ex-

Why We’re Still Hereby Bob Carney

Byron Nelso

n


tra special thank you to all of the golfers who were nice enough

to take time out of their crazy schedules to hit the golf links on

my behalf (what a sacrifice that must have been!!!)”

There are some 150,000 charity golf events each year. They

raise – remember this when you hear the pale claims of oth-

er sports – some $3.9 billion for good causes. (Only $125

million of that coming from the PGA Tour). The av-

erage event, often created in the same way

that the Cox Classic was, in support or

memory of a friend, raises about

$26,000 year, less than half of

what the Classic does annually

now, and only a tenth of our

average over 25 years. (We

had ice-bucket years, too,

from 1997 to 2007, with one

tournament raising $720,000

in a day). Now back to its more

intimate roots, as the board has

said, this event will generate about

$90,000 this year.

So congratulate yourself on a job well done, and done for a

long time.

A final note, however. As his letter suggests, it’s okay with

Steve if you do not feel that emotional connection to our

event’s true meaning until you’re reminded to. It’s okay if you

show up obsessed with winning the scramble, capturing the

women’s Long Drive, or impressing Val Skinner or Pat Brad-

ley or Christina Kim on the 6th tee with a shot that proves

you can really play. (Which, chances are, you cannot). It’s

okay if you lapse into thinking it’s all about golf or the stupid

raffle. (“I was ONE number off!”) It’s okay even if you think

it’s just about the money or getting together with friends.

But when the golf is over and the “ringers” have won and

your strip of raffle tickets missed the grand prize number by

exactly 702, or you’re kicking yourself because you for-

got to use all 7 of your Mulligans, forget golf

and take time to remember what we’ve

been trying to do all these years. Let

a bucket of warmth and compas-

sion wash over you and thank

Steven Cox and all his friends

for coaxing you back into the

real world, and congratulate

yourself on something that

someday you will view, as Nel-

son did, as more important than

anything the world gave you credit

for. That’s the Steven A. Cox

Charity Classic.

Congratulations everyone.

“And an extra special thank you to all of the golfers who were nice enough to take time out of their crazy schedules to hit the golf links on my behalf (what a sacrifice that must have been!!!)”

Charity Classic

STEVEN A. COX


On November 6, 1869, the institution of higher learn-

ing formerly known as Queens College beat the insti-

tution of higher knowledge still known as Princeton

University, 6-4, in the first college football game. Tapes of Ye

Olde Sportscenter could not be found, so football historians

can’t be sure whether the Queens boys scored two

field goals or missed the extra point.

What historians do know is that

Rutgers University, the institu-

tion of higher learning former-

ly known as Queens College,

is one of the eight “Colonial

Colleges” (Harvard, Yale,

William & Mary, Princeton,

Columbia, University of Penn-

sylvania, Brown, and Dartmouth

are the others) that were first

founded in the United States. So when

all the fuss was being made about how great

the move to the Big Ten would be for Rutgers, the more than

450,000 alumni — as well as the present student body,

faculty, employees, and administrators — knew just how

fortunate the Big Ten is to get access to the RU traditions.

The Big Ten was founded in 1895, when presidents from

a group of Midwestern universities got together to set up

an organization to rule intercollegiate athletics. Today, the

conference (comprised of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland,

Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwest-

ern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, and Wisconsin)

is one of the five “power” conferences that set the standard

for excellence in college sports. The conference today boasts

14 men’s sports and 14 women’s sports, with nearly 10,000

athletes participating. They also have their own TV

network, a cash cow for Big Ten members.

Just this year, the conference opened

an office in New York City (perhaps

owing to Rutgers’ proximity to

the massive New York media

market and the advertisers

within).

Kate Hickey, Senior Associ-

ate Athletics Director/Senior

Women’s Administrator, says the

move to the Big Ten has been a god-

send for athletes in the under-the-ra-

dar (read: not big cash generators) sports.

“Speaking for our Olympic sports (those except football

and men’s/women’s basketball) since those are the sports

I oversee, the energy level of our student-athletes is a whole

new level,” she said. “They see opportunities to compete

against and succeed against the best competition national-

ly. They know they are part of a special time at Rutgers and

they are embracing the opportunity to be part of history. The

creation of new rivalries in all sports has increased the ex-

citement in our students. The academic and administrative

RU Is A “B1G” Deal by David Chmiel

Garden State residents know how great Rutgers is,but its Big Ten affiliation will give the rest of the country a taste of

just what ‘Jersey Strong’ means.


collaborations have created an energy and enthusiasm on

campus as well--virtually every department on campus is

involved in some type of collaboration through the Big Ten

Conference or the CIC.”

The CIC? That is the Committee on Institutional Cooperation,

a consortium of the Big Ten’s 14 member institutions and

the University of Chicago. The CIC allows the universities

research departments to work together on cutting-edge pro-

grams, and has the potential to draw even greater

investment to the CIC member schools.

Rutgers 65,000 undergraduate

and graduate students, its out-

standing academic programs,

and its global profile, make it

a perfect complement to the

conference. The Rutgers Can-

cer Institute of New Jersey’s

director, Dr. Robert DiPaola – a

mult-year participant in the Cox

Classic, this year’s keynoter, and

a full-fledged “friend of Steve” – last

year discussed the power of the Big Ten

affiliation.

“The Big Ten for Rutgers is a huge opportunity, because

we now will be part of a Big Ten cancer consortium that

will allow our doctors and researchers work with their peers

throughout the network of the member schools, which all

are tremendous research universities,” DiPaola says. “This

will provide such added value for the patients and creates

a link in a more meaningful way through Rutgers, where the

categories are enhanced in technology and research and

collaboration and within other universities. This cements

our presence all over the state and helps grow the Rutgers

name all over the country. It will provide optimal benefit in

our interactions with the 16 other New Jersey hospitals, with

clinical-trial activities, reach throughout the state and allow

us to continue our mission of bringing the highest level of

care and research right to patients throughout the state.”

The opportunities for Rutgers will only grow. RU will

be a fully vested member in 2021, which

will give it a complete share in the TV

revenue. But in the meantime, the

buzz around its new affiliation

has spurred growth in the en-

dowments of its athletics and

general development pro-

grams and is spreading the

word about Rutgers across

the nation through the Big Ten

athletics brand.

“This helps our coaches in recruiting

tremendously,” Hickey says. “New Jersey’s

top athletes can get a Big Ten academic and athletic

experience right here at home. While Rutgers has been a

top-notch institution academically, the association with the

Big Ten has helped shine additional light on this. Now when

New Jersey’s top prospective student-athletes want to stay

close enough to home for their families to see them compete

against the top competition, we are right here.”


25th AnnualSteven A. Cox Charity Classic

SponsorsPresenting Sponsors

Celgene CorporationThe Hibbert Group

New Jersey National Golf Club

Gold SponsorsAsurion

Haddad & Partners, LLCProSys Information Systems

Silver SponsorsFerriero Engineering, Inc.

Genpact Pharmalink

LPGA Clinic SponsorTobe Direct

Bronze SponsorsAce Twill Printing, Adeptus Partners, Bridgetree, FormCo, Inc.,

Grubman Compton Foundation, inVentiv Health, Stifel, WPLJ Radio, Zaptitude

Marketing Friends and PartnersAT&T, Atlantic City Electric, Black Oak Golf Club, Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center, Bridgestone Golf,

Cava Winery & Vineyards, Inc., Cheesecake Factory, Classic Harbor Lines, Cherry Valley Golf Club, Crystal Springs Golf Club, DG3 North America, Inc., Empire Golf Management, Jay and Lyn Ferriero, Great White Shark Enterprises, Hartefeld National, Terry McLain, Metedeconk National Golf Club, Minisceongo Golf Club, Pine Barrens Golf Club, Ridgewood Country Club, Royce Brook Golf Club,

Roosmoor Golf Course, Rutgers University Foundation, Rutgers Athletics, Sands Casino Resort - Bethlehem, Sellar Richardson, P.C., Stanton Ridge Golf Club, 3balls.com, Inc., Trump National Golf Club-Bedminster,

Twisted Dune Golf Club, United States Golf Association, University of Scranton


The Steven A. CoxFoundation Trustees

gratefully acknowledge the following individualsand organizations whose support of’

the 25th Annual Cox Classic has been invaluable:

Robert DiPaola, M.D., Rutgers Cancer Institute of New JerseyDr. Richard Edwards, Executive Vice President, Rutgers University

Nevin E. Kessler, President, Rutgers University FoundationVal Skinner, Founder, LIFE

Pat Bradley, LPGA Tour Symetra Tour Players

Tim Moonan and Family, The Hibbert GroupGreg Geissman, Celgene

Eric Bergstol, Rudy Virga, Empire Golf ManagementSean Toohey, Oliver Filley, Jason Ruggiero, Pierre Bohemond: New Jersey National

Phil ZusiSherb Naulty, Steve Block, Paul Sundick, George Twill

Jim Nantz, Melissa MillerDJ Haddad, Benoit Dutrevis, Aimee DiBlasi, Heather Furlong: Haddad & Partners

Leanne Kochy, Sandy Brill, Anthony Colella: Rutgers University Foundation Sarah Baumgartner, Jason Baum, Kate Hickey, Andrew Robinson, Kathleen Conlin: Rutgers Athletics

Candace Botnick, Debbie Vogel: Rutgers Cancer Institute of New JerseyParker Weils, Dave Kaplan, Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center

Megan Dubal, Bridgestone Golf, Jay and Lyn FerrieroPhil Micari, Megan Dubal, Bridgestone Golf, Jay and Lyn Ferriero

Jack Szigety, Chris Fallon, Bob & Julie CarneyJun Forrestall, Gene Innocenti, Chuck Russo, Jack Ciamillo, Julie Rygiel

Don Dalgauer, Ruth Bogoly, Brent Mills, Brooke HerbstMaureen Mallon, Ann Romanovsky, Joan Pagliocco, Matt Ferriero

Joe Febonio, Jack Sciabica, Ari Edelman, Tara Olivio, Lisa Torquati, John Kearney, Joe TolericoJoe Tolerico, Donna Marion, William O. Marion

Trustees of the Steven A. Cox FoundationSusan Campbell, David Chmiel, Henry Cox, Chairman Emeritus, John Dowd

Michael Faletto, Paul Ferriero, Mike Forrestall, Fred GreenspanMike Marion, Tim Omaggio, Rich Szigety, Chris Thedinga


Cox_Fund_Ad.indd 12014 Classic Cover.indd 56 9/23/14 4:09 PM

Rutgers and the Steven A. Cox Foundation work together to battle cancer

through cutting-edge research into causes and cures for this deadly disease.

You Make It PossibleT h a n k Y o u !

You Deserve A rounD of ApplAuse

B e a P a r T o f T h I s M o M e n T . s u p p o r t . r u t g e r s . e d u

25th Anniversary

of the Cox Classic

Cox_Fund_Ad.indd 1 8/26/14 9:20 AM2014 Classic Cover.indd 57 9/23/14 4:09 PM

Congratulations to the

Cox Charity Classic on 25 years of success,

and our heartfelt appreciation to the

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey for all the lives you touch!

From your friends at Stifel

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WE SALUTE YOUR ENERGY.

We’re proud to support the 25th Annual Cox Charity Golf Classic and to be South Jersey’s reliable energy resource for more than 100 years.

atlanticcityelectric.com


OUR ENERGY.

e than 100 years.

Congratulationsto the

Cox Classiccelebrating 25 years

and thank you to theRutgers Cancer Institute

of New Jerseyfor all the lives

you touch.

Eric P. Grubman and Elizabeth K. ComptonGrubman Compton Foundation.


BridgeTree is proud to support the 25th Anniversary

Cox Charity Classic And

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

www.bridgetree.com

"We make Marketing work better."


WPLJ and Fred Greenspan are Proud to be part of the

25th Anniversary Steven A. Cox Charity Classic

www.plj.com


www.inventivhealth.com

Proud to be a Friend of Steve! Congratulations on 25 Years…


We congratulate our friends at the

Steven A. Cox Foundation on their 25th Anniversary

and for their continued support

for a great cause.

From

Adeptus Partners, LLC Accountants | Advisors

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The Best of Sherb NaultyLocal iconic nature photographer Sherb Naulty has been coming to the Cox Classic since, well, forever. But he took on his volunteer position as “official” event photographer in 2006. Since that time he has clicked nearly one thousand images at the Cox Classic. Friends of Steve have enjoyed his photography over the years via the annual event souvenir journal and so in this 25th year, we asked Sherb to share a few of his favorite images. Not

surprisingly, Sherb’s “selects” capture some of the most enduring relationships of the Cox Classic...

THE COX BROTHERS: FRED AND HENRY.

THE SCRANTON CREW

JACK CONWAY, BETH BADER, AND BOB DICARLO

THE COX BROTHERS: FRED AND HENRY.

JACK CONWAY, BETH BADER, AND BOB DICARLO

THE SCRONTON CREW

THE UNIVERSITY OF SCRANTON COLLEGE BUDDIES OF STEVE COX.


JACK SZIGETY AND HENRY COX.

THE SZIGETY FAMILY:

JACK SZIGETY AND HENRY COX.

ALEX, KAREN, RICH, KATE, AND JACK.

THE SZIGETY FAMILY:


Ifirst got to know Steve Cox in May of 1989 during an AT&T team building exercise at the Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York. The team building itself wasn’t all that great: the

experience was contentious for many people, at times the facili-tators lacked control and focus, and the rain – which limited our outdoor activity – was unrelenting.

But for me, the event had a silver lining: I got to know Steve.

Although I was aware of him, I had never really met or talked with Steve. But we struck up a conversation one night at Mohonk, on one of the large covered porches, watching the rain fall. We covered a lot of ground those two hours: the missteps of the facilitators of the team building exercise, the concept of team, Project Miracles (another team building event which Steve had experienced), life at AT&T and within the consumer adver-tising department, advertising in general, our respective upbringings, our high school and college days, our spouses and families, our goals and aspira-tions, sports, the New York City Marathon (which we learned we had both run), and fitness in general.

I was struck by Steve’s warmth and positive nature. He also had a great sense of humor. His love for his wife and his family was obvious. His perspective on life was so upbeat and well balanced. I walked away from our conversation with a profound feeling that I had just met one of the nicest people in the world.

I remember we also talked briefly about the discomfort in his lower back. It was innocent enough; we had no idea what lay ahead.

Not long after Mohonk, tests would reveal a cancerous tumor had formed on Steve’s hipbone. The medical name was Osteosar-coma. The news came as a shock to everyone, including Steve. How could something like this be happening to someone so young and vital and good?

Steve put aside the inequity and quickly focused his energy on fighting the disease. Over the next 22 months he would undergo

intensive chemotherapy treatments and several oper-ations. He was in and out of the hospital. His

pain threshold was constantly being tested.

In the midst of his battle, Steve came to work in my group on AT&T’s College Market Program. Despite his signif-icant physical challenges, he excelled in the job. His performance was exem-plary. As a testimony to his contributions, he was

honored with the company’s “Spirit of Communications”

award.

Steve was an insightful, hard working, and dedicated member of the team. He always strove to be his best and do his best. He cared deeply. It was also remarkable how Steve managed

around his obvious physical disability. His personal struggle

never got in the way of his perfor-mance. He simply wouldn’t let it. He perse-

vered. He remained strong, focused and positive. His optimism was inspiring.

In Memory: Steve CoxMay 29, 1958 — May 15, 1991


I quickly learned that my perceptions of Steve were universally held by a sizable number of people within AT&T and at the adver-tising agencies with whom he worked. Steve had many friends and acquaintances, who, upon learning of his condition, trans-formed themselves into an impressive network of support.

As Steve’s health deteriorated, we used the phone to stay connected. Our conversations always included his words of appreciation for the cards, letters, tapes, faxes, books and other gifts and mementos that poured in from his friends.

Although some of these gestures may have had a higher perceived “marquee” value – like letters from President Bush, Jack Nicklaus, a phone call from Karl Nelson (ex-Giant football player and himself a cancer survivor), personal greetings (via video-tape) from Bob Ranalli and Merrill Tutton (top AT&T executives), personal notes from Mr. Tutton, and fellow AT&T execs Ken Bertaccini (also a cancer survivor) and Kim Armstrong (head of the organization in which he worked), and a golf-a-thon in his honor that raised nearly $3,000 – Steve was touched by every act of kindness on his behalf. He often described the collective demonstration of support as “overwhelming.”

Steve also talked about his family often and how fortunate he was to have such a close, caring family and so strong and loving a wife. He knew how remarkable his family was and he spoke of them with pride and love.

Steve lived with formidable odds of survival and unbearable pain. Through it all he kept focused and positive and strong. He was strengthened by his faith, and he held on to hope. He also held on to his sense of humor – and would use it to soften the

impact his burden had on others.

My conversations with Steve became a significant part of my life. Despite his own condition, he wanted to talk about me and my family, our work group, and the latest advertising campaigns. He continued to care about the work and the people behind it.

As time went on our talks became less frequent but each more valuable. Steve called me one last time on the night of

May 1. He said he was saying goodbye to his friends. He said he had come to terms with his condition

and was accepting his fate. He was no longer going to fight, that he had given it his best

shot – an understatement to be sure. He was now praying to go peacefully. And in his

typically unselfish way, he was also praying for a cure so that others

could be spared from what he had to endure.

There is learning in Steve’s experience: of the need to keep our lives in perspec-tive; of how quickly our fate can change with no apparent reason or logic.

Steve spoke of the need to truly live one day at a time and

each to its fullest. His message is simple yet profound.

I feel privileged to have known Steve. I miss him dearly. I will remember him, and our brief friendship, forever.

And I’ll particularly cherish our one spring night at Mohonk, standing on the porch, sipping beer, watching the

rain fall, feeling great about ourselves, our families, our work, and our lives ahead of us.

Mike MarionMay 16, 1991

Charity Classic

STEVEN A. COX


See you at the 26th Annual! October 5, 2015

A Note Of ThanksThe original card and personal note from Steve Cox, following the

“Golf-A-Thon for Steve Cox,” held on September 21, 1990.


47

24716-2013 Cox Classic Journal.indd 47 9/24/14 11:26 AM

Charity Classic

STEVEN A. COX


25th anniversary cox charity classic souvenir journal

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