Bishop Fallon/Holy Angels Alumni golf tournament set for June 19

Tue, May 23rd 2017 02:25 pm

You could call the former Bishop Fallon High School "the school that keeps on giving." Even though it has been closed since 1975, its Alumni Association has managed to raise nearly $100,000 for Catholic education over the past 13 years through an annual golf tournament. This year, that tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 19 at Lancaster Country Club.

"I think people are extremely impressed at how organized it is and what you get," said Manny Aja, president of the Bishop Fallon High School/Holy Angels Collegiate Institute Alumni Association. He notes that the $125 price includes the golf, lunch, dinner, an hour of open bar and the potential to win valuable prizes. "We emphasize the fact that the proceeds from this goes towards Catholic education, which we have a passion for because we appreciate our education."

Holy Angels Collegiate Institute was an all-boys high school on Porter Avenue in Buffalo, which closed in 1950 and was, in effect, replaced by Bishop Fallon that very same year when it opened on Main and Northampton streets.  Aja was part of the last graduating class before Bishop Fallon closed in 1975. Now he assists Peter Bishop and John Cardarella, the organizers of the annual golf tournament. "We've been very fortunate," said Aja. "I think maybe with the late Oblates (who founded the school), God always seems to be behind us. Our weather for the most part has always been very good. It's never been a washout and everybody has a great time."

Part of the proceeds from the golf tournament are combined with the BISON scholarship fund. Donations are also made directly to five different students at five Catholic schools to help defray the cost of tuition. The event is also assisted by corporate sponsors such as Mercedes-Benz of Buffalo president, Robert LaMastra who offers the chance to win a two-year lease to someone getting a hole-in-one. Many golfers have come so close that organizers believe someone is sure to win this year.

Registration forms for the Bishop Fallon/Holy Angels Alumni Golf Outing are due by June 1. The tournament begins with sign-ins at 11 a.m.  Lunch is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Golf begins with a "shotgun start" at 1 p.m., open bar at 5:30 p.m. and dinner is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

For information on the event, visit www.bishopfallon.org.   

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