By Laura Stetser, Published September 21 2015

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP – The Community Partnership for Egg Harbor Township Schools Inc. held its 6th Annual Friends of Chuck Donovan Grapes and Greens Wine Tasting and Garden Party at Hidden Creek Golf Club on Saturday, Sept. 19, raising approximately $15,000 for its efforts to support the Egg Harbor Township School District.

Guests at the fundraiser were treated to food and wine pairings, entertainment by the Shore Jazz Quartet and a putting contest. All proceeds benefit the district through the organization’s purchase of large-ticket items such as computer labs and playground equipment.

As an active member and Vice President of the Community Partnership between 2007 and 2009, Donovan championed efforts to raise funds for Egg Harbor Township Schools, the largest district in Atlantic County. He was also very involved with the Egg Harbor Township High School Interact Club, mentoring students for many years and linking them to the local finance and businesses community for employment, mentorship or internship opportunities. A wine aficionado and long-time member of Hidden Creek Golf Club, Donovan passed away in 2009 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

His son Chip has followed in his footsteps, now serving as the foundation’s president.

“The things that were important to my dad were having good family, having good friends and having faith in your community, and if you can do all of those things at once while at a golf course and drinking wine, then you’re pretty much hitting everything right on the head,” he said. “So the fact that we can do this in my dad’s name, and the fact that we have been able to do it six times is incredible. We are going to keep this going as long as possible and we are going to give as much money back to the schools as we can.”

Guests also placed bids on auction items including golf foursomes, restaurant gift certificates and assorted baskets.

"We seemed to have a great night and raised a lot of money for the schools: doesn't get any better," Donovan said on Monday.

Wine sponsors were Ted deMent of the Winebow Group and Chet Malloy of Circle Liquor Store. “Pour and Putt” sponsors ($1,000) were Cooper Levenson, the Gutierrez family, Ocean City Home Bank, Shore Medical Center and Buddy Buzzerd of UBS. The Donovan family was the “Sip and Savor” sponsor ($1,000). Scott and Nadine Downie of Spiezle Architectural Group were the “Grapes and Gathering” sponsor ($750.)

Other named sponsors were Michael Bray of Passion Vines, James Galvin and Pete Castellano of the Egg Harbor Township Board of Education, Nick Regine and Kathleen Arleth, Glenn Insurance Inc. and Brian and Dorothy Kargman.