Golf tournament honors late Scranton man, benefits scholarship fund in his memory
Jun. 15—Who: Jill Donovan remembers her blue-eyed only child, Eugene, as a kind, compassionate young man with a smile that could light up any room. A native of South Scranton, Eugene attended the Nativity of Our Lord Parish school and graduated from Scranton High School. He played sports including baseball, basketball and soccer; loved animals; and enjoyed spending time with his grandparents and out on the water during family beach trips.
What: Eugene was just 23 when he died of a brain aneurysm eight years ago, and in the wake of that loss, his loved ones established the Eugene Donovan Memorial Golf Tournament and Scholarship Fund. Since its founding in 2014, the scholarship fund has given $1,000 scholarships to several students from Scranton High School to help them pursue a degree from a college or vocational school, Jill Donovan said.
"Some students struggle financially, and this is a good way to give back, helping them in some way with the next chapter of their lives," she said. "Eugene had a kind heart and would be happy to know we are helping someone in his honor."
How: The seventh annual Eugene Donovan Memorial Golf Tournament/Benefit will take place Saturday, July 23, at Pine Hills Country Club, 140 S. Keyser Ave., Taylor. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m., and golf begins at 1 p.m. A benefit will follow the tournament from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Waldorf Park GAF, 13 Waldorf Lane, Scranton.
The captain-and-crew golf tournament costs $85 per person and includes the round of golf, cart, beer, food, prizes and games of skill at Pine Hills plus a dinner buffet, domestic beer, entertainment and raffles at Waldorf Park. Tickets to just the evening benefit cost $25 and include a dinner buffet, domestic canned beer, entertainment and raffles. The event "is special to all those who knew, loved and miss Eugene," Jill Donovan said, and they "hope to make it our best year yet."
"You didn't even need to know Eugene to come out and participate in his day, support high school students who have worked hard to graduate from high school and want to continue their education, support your community, meet new people, listen to some music, enjoy dinner and a few drinks and have a chance to win some great baskets," she said.
People also can help the fund by sponsoring holes at the golf course for $50 or donating baskets or gift certificates to the raffles. To donate money, make checks payable to the Eugene Donovan Scholarship Fund and mail them to 4 Snook St., Scranton, PA 18505 or email Jill Donovan at jilladonovan@gmail.com. Donors interested in tax deductions also can email her for the organization's tax ID number. For more information, visit the Eugene Donovan Memorial Golf Tournament Facebook page.
"The generosity of the benefit committee and donors have allowed us to keep Eugene's memory alive through his scholarship fund, and we can't thank our supporters' kindness and generosity enough," Jill Donovan said.
In her own words: "It would mean a great deal if we had the support from the community so that we could continue to celebrate Eugene's life, share pictures and stories about Eugene, and continue to give back to the community. ... Your support will help make a difference in the lives of others who are awarded the Eugene Donovan Scholarship. Seeing all those who support, are involved and help prepare for Eugene's benefit tells me we didn't forget about Eugene. (We are) committed to keep his legacy alive and give back to others, and for that I could never repay you all." — Jill Donovan, mother
Contact the writer: cwest@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5107; @cheaneywest on Twitter
