MSSL Players Raise $42,000 for
Make-A-Wish New Jersey
The night of August 21st, 2025, saw the Monroe Senior Softball League conclude its 3rd season with its annual All-Star charity game on behalf of Make-A-Wish New Jersey. The idea to fundraise for Make-A-Wish was the brainchild of league Board member Rich Delvecchio who was a volunteer wish giver there.
Make-A-Wish is the world’s largest wish granting organization that creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Our “Pitch for the Wish” event had an ambitious goal of raising $20,000 after averaging $15,000 per year the first two years on behalf of two different charities.
League players and Township resident volunteers played important roles in making the evening a roaring success. The evening started with Stonebridge-based rock and soul band Underwater Airlines greeting the crowd as they filed in.
Meanwhile, 50/50 tickets were hawked, commemorative t-shirt orders were taken, the league’s grill crew served up hotdogs, burgers, and chicken breasts, our snack shack was bustling, and the silent auction table was hopping as attendees bid on New York Yankee tickets, Giants vs. Eagles tickets, and autographed and authenticated Tom Brady and Pete Alonso jerseys.
After everyone had a chance to chow down, the game festivities got under way starting with the Home Run Derby that was won by POA’s Pete “The Hammer” Joseph. This was followed by the presentation of league awards by Commissioner Bobby Harris. Then Board member and Event Chair Bob Zyontz pointed out to center field (a la Babe Ruth) as a color guard, made up of team captains, marched in as a prelude to the singing of the national anthem by Renaissance resident Pauline Frank.
Then master of ceremonies Harris called out the sponsors and handed each one a plaque as a thank you for their support. The most notable sponsor - Ray Catena Auto Group of Marlboro/Freehold - was represented by General Manager Joel Cohen who pleasantly shocked the gathering by presenting Bobby with a $10,000 donation.
While the All-Star game itself might have seemed an over thought, think again! The game ended in a 7-7 tie highlighted by a game tying three run home run by Peter Joseph in the 9th inning. What an amazing night - especially when Mark Goldberg, Board member and league Treasurer, told Harris and Zyontz that we had cracked $42,000, which far exceeded expectations. The jaw dropping silence was deafening.
On September 30th, league Board members Bob Zyontz, Rich Delvecchio, Mark Goldberg, and Bobby Harris proudly presented Make-A- Wish New Jersey with a check for $42,000 that will enable them to continue their charitable mission. It was a proud moment for the league that was made possible by the support, participation, and generosity of all the players. Thanks to you all!
In three years, the MSSL has raised over $72,000 for various charities. It is clear that this league has become more than just about softball as its mission now includes supporting causes that our players believe in and giving back to our community.