Volunteer Of Year Award Named For Honey Gantner
The “Honey Gantner Award ,“ which will recognize the NJSGA Volunteer of the Year on an annual basis, was presented to its namesake in a moving ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 11, at the NJSGA Annual Meeting at the Canoe Brook Country Club in Summit.
“This award is so important to us to demonstrate what it takes to be a volunteer,” said NJSGA president Thomas McGovern. “We name it proudly in perpetuity after you.
“You, Honey, are the volunteer of volunteers. Honey, from Day One when I met you on the golf course, you made me feel like I belonged. You are a true friend to the NJSGA and did anything and everything for the staff, from sunup to sundown and in less than perfect weather.”
The “Honey Gantner Award,” recognizing the top NJSGA volunteer each year, fittingly recognizes someone who has typified what it means to give time year after year, day after day, for the love of golf.
It is the first such award in the history of the NJSGA to be named after an individual and will be presented each year in her honor at the Annual Meeting.
“Words can’t ever express what this means to me, and how honored and humbled I am to receive it,’ Honey stated at the presentation. “I can’t believe I’m getting an award for something I enjoyed so much.
“I loved going to the tournaments. I want to thank all of the NJSGA staff. They made me feel like a member of an extended family. I love all of you. These days, my life is very different and I wish I could just hop in my car and go to the tournaments.
“It’s been a wonderful life. I know I’m truly blessed with so many caring and loyal friends,” she said.
Honey Gantner, a long-time member of the North Jersey Country Club, began her volunteer work with the NJSGA in 1994 and continued with it through 2010. She was a familiar face at every NJSGA event, a face everyone could count on for a smile and a warm greeting. She has the knack for making everyone feel at home on the golf course.
The inscription on the award reads:“The Honey Gantner Award presented annually by the NJSGA for dedicated service by a volunteer.
“In Recognition of her commitment, outstanding service and contributions to the New Jersey State Golf Association.”
-- Mike Moretti
