EW Howell hosts 17th Annual John Bergin Benefit for a Friend Golf Outing; attended by over 100, event raises $150,000

Muttontown, NY EW Howell Construction Group, hosted the 17^th Annual John Bergin Benefit for a Friend (BFAF) golf outing at Woodside Acres Golf Club. 

More than 100 golfers and guests from New York’s building, real estate and construction industries attended the outing, raising $150,000 for local families in need. Participants in the all-day event enjoyed breakfast and a cocktail and dinner reception, as well as contests and prizes. Other competitions included men’s and women’s longest drive, closest to the pin, closest to the line and a hole-in-one contest.

“The annual golf outing is Benefit for a Friend’s signature event, one that grows in attendance each year as more people understand the work that we’re doing for local families and organizations,” said Paul O’Rourke, board president of BFAF. “There isn’t one specific cause that BFAF has adopted; rather, we look for local organizations or families who are really contributing to their community but need a little extra support.” 

BFAF was founded in 2003 after the family of a labor foreman at EW Howell needed help with funeral expenses. Now a 501(c)(3), BFAF’s board consists of several EW Howell employees who have directed fundraising campaigns that have raised $2.3 million in the past 17 years. The organization was renamed the John Bergin Benefit for a Friend in 2016 in memory of John Bergin, a senior vice president at EW Howell and one of BFAF’s founders. His giving spirit planted the seed that helped the organization grow into what it is today. 

Though it started as a way to help local construction families in their time of need, BFAF has since expanded to include families, causes and organizations across Long Island. 

If you are interested in learning more about or donating to Benefit for a Friend, please call Denise Orlando or Paul O’Rourke at 516-921-7100.