More than 100 golfers braved a damp, chilly day to participate in the 4th annual golf tournament held to honor John Rowan, Jr., who disappeared from his Ponte Vedra home in February 2001, and to raise funds for the Justice Coalition. Fortified by a delicious man-sized breakfast prepared by the staff of the Hidden Hills Country Club, the teams gathered for the opening ceremony before teeing off.
Sheriff John Rutherford greeted the early morning crowd that stood at attention and recited the pledge of allegiance while the JSO honor guard presented the American flag. Rutherford talked about the Justice Coalition and its work with families of murdered victims and missing loved ones, and how the organization has a longstanding association with local law enforcement.
Ann Dugger thanked everyone for coming and expressed her deep appreciation for the sponsors who made the event possible. John Manni told how last year he and his wife were participants in the game, but this year he and his company, J. M. Adjustment Services L.L.C., were delighted to be title sponsors, along with Allied Veterans of the World, Inc., & Affiliates.
Informing the golfers that signage along their route would remind them of many murdered and missing loved ones being remembered that day, Ann introduced Peg and John Rowan, thanking the family for their hard work and generous donation of time and resources. John Rowan, Jr.’s wife Caroline and his children, Robert and Alecia, were also acknowledged.
Peg Rowan, who spearheads the tournaments in memory of her son, spoke briefly to thank everyone for their support, then John Rowan, Sr., brought many to tears as he sang, in his truly beautiful baritone voice, a song he wrote, aptly entitled Son.
After golf pro Jimmy Taylor was auctioned for $2500 to John Manni and his team, the Hidden Hills golf pro, Ted Hopkins, announced rules of the game, Chaplain Caldwell from Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital asked God’s blessings on the players, and they rode off on their carts for a fun-filled day of golf.
In the early afternoon when hungry golfers returned from the links, they filled their plates with generous helpings of corned beef and cabbage, chicken Marsala and mashed potatoes and a tempting variety of desserts. The Hidden Hills chef and assistants outdid themselves with all the mouthwatering dishes they served, and the cordial staff provided every amenity we could have wished for.
WTLV-Ch.12 Sports Director Dan Hicken, assisted by lovely Charlene Shirk of the PGA Golf Tour, once again was outstanding as he auctioned such items as a Sanyo flat screen TV donated by Wal-Mart, Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Country Club golf certificates, golf bags, weekend stays at local resorts such as the luxurious Casa Marina Hotel and Amelia Island Plantation Resort, oil changes and a variety of other desirable gifts. Exciting raffle items and a silent auction rounded out the program.
Following lunch and auction, Waterford crystal trophies were awarded to the winning teams. The JM Adjustment Services team, comprised of Kathy Manni, Helen Kelble, Craig Monson benefited from golf pro Jimmy Taylor’s expertise and finished with the lowest score. Second place honors went to the J. B. Coxwell team with players Wayne Williford, Robert Aspinwall, Lockwood Holmes and Ronnie Williams. Third place team members were Ed Bach, Steve Champney, Jack Cole and John Manni.
\ During closing remarks Phillip Bowling, who spoke about his granddaughter Somer Thompson, was overcome with emotion when he mentioned her birthday was just days away. Everyone was touched by his grief, and the crowd departed with a stirring rendition of Amazing Grace (performed by City Councilman Jack Webb playing the bagpipes) ringing in their ears.
Our heartfelt thanks once again to all the Rowan family and to all our faithful friends and supporters for another wonderful fundraising event that grossed more than $60,000. We could never keep going without you and we look forward to meeting again next year.
Photographer: J.Mosely Photography
Host: Justice Coalition of Jacksonville