Delta Dental of New Jersey 30th annual golf classic raises more than $95,000 for Special Olympics New Jersey

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — October 30, 2020 — Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc.’s (DDNJ) 30^th Annual Golf Classic for Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) looked a little different this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was nonetheless a shining example of its ongoing commitment to supporting its Foundation grantees and local communities. With the help of loyal supporters— DDNJ was able to raise $95,000 to provide free sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. DDNJ’s 30^th Golf Classic was the first event fundraiser held for SONJ since March.

Community engagement has guided Delta Dental companies across the country for decades. Over the years, New Jersey’s leading dental benefits company has raised nearly $1.5 million to help over 26,000 SONJ athletes achieve their athletic pursuits. More than 50 golfers, including broadcaster Steve Adubato who served as the event’s emcee, participated in the August 21 socially distanced tournament at Essex Fells Country Club in Essex Fells.

“Celebration, commitment, and partnership—no better words exemplify our 30^th Annual Golf Classic,” said Dennis Wilson, president, and CEO of Delta Dental of New Jersey. “SONJ goes above and beyond for their athletes and we’re proud to have played a part in helping them compete and achieve their athletic dreams.”

Funds were raised by sponsors, donations, DDNJ’s employees and Board of Trustees, and golfers. Sponsors who supported the Golf Classic included Somerset Medical Center (Featured Sponsor), Kimball Dancker (Special Sponsor), Brown and Brown Insurance (Platinum Sponsor), Delta Dental Board of Trustees (Platinum Sponsor), and New Jersey Dental Association (Platinum Sponsor). Delta Dental of New Jersey also donated $30,000 to this event in honor of its 30-year commitment and partnership with SONJ. 

“I cannot thank the team at Delta Dental of New Jersey enough for the tremendous perseverance and commitment this year to ensure our athletes are continued to be supported and empowered to achieve their goals during this difficult and challenging time. For the past 30 years, DDNJ has been a key partner for SONJ and the passion and dedication the company and its employees has shown this year is nothing more than inspiring,” stated Heather Andersen, President and CEO of Special Olympics New Jersey.

About Delta Dental
Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc. is New Jersey’s leading dental benefits company, providing or administering coverage to more than 1.7 million people through contracts with groups in New Jersey and Connecticut. In Connecticut, Delta Dental of Connecticut, Inc. is a licensed insurer that writes dental coverage on an insured basis, and Delta Dental of New Jersey administers self-funded dental benefit programs.

Offering dental benefits since 1969, Delta Dental of New Jersey’s mission is to promote oral health to the greatest number of people by providing accessible dental benefit programs of the highest quality, service, and value. We are a not-for-profit service corporation and, as a member of Delta Dental Plans Association, we’re part of a network that provides national dental coverage to more than 73 million people. For more information, visit DeltaDentalNJ.com.

About Special Olympics New Jersey
For over 50 years, Special Olympics New Jersey has provided year-round sports training and athletic competition in 24 Olympic-type sports for more than 26,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, completely free of charge.  Through the joy and power of sports, athletes are provided opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Visit www.sonj.org for more information.