The community rallied in record-breaking fashion on June 29 as Mary’s Place by the Sea, a nonprofit based in Ocean Grove, raised $160,000 at its 6th Annual “Swing for the Soul” Golf Outing. The sold-out event, hosted at the Deal Golf & Country Club, drew more than 140 participants dedicated to supporting wellness retreats for women battling cancer.
Proceeds from the outing directly fund Mary’s Place by the Sea’s mission: providing holistic healing—including plant-based meals, counseling, and integrative wellness services—to women navigating cancer, entirely free of charge. Since its inception, the organization has supported more than 17,000 women through overnight retreats, day programs, and virtual support services accessible across the United States.
“Every dollar raised on the golf course provides an opportunity for a guest of Mary’s Place to step away from her scheduled life and enjoy holistic services and authentic connection to others on a similar path,” Michele Gannon, founder and executive director of Mary’s Place by the Sea, said. “Our guests never see a bill, and that’s only possible because of days like this.”
A milestone for the organization
Beyond the fundraising success, the event served as a landmark moment for the organization’s long-term sustainability. During the post-tournament reception, the Mary’s Place team presented the final mortgage payment for their custom facility at 22 Main Ave. to OceanFirst Bank, signifying that the organization’s home is now fully owned.
The day concluded with an evening dinner reception and silent auction, highlighted by a moving testimonial from a former guest of the center, which underscored the tangible impact of the nonprofit’s work.
The record-setting outing was made possible by a broad coalition of sponsors and supporters, led by Presenting Sponsor Chris Tubby Deborah Wilson Charitable Giving Fund. Additional support was provided by numerous organizations, including Manasquan Bank, Builders General Supply Company, and the William Noonan Foundation, among others.
As the nonprofit celebrates this achievement, organizers are already looking ahead to the future. The 7th Annual Swing for the Soul Golf Outing is tentatively scheduled for June 2027.
