A Green Carpet Affair–Local Non-Profit, PGA Wives Chipping in for Charity

It was truly a "Green Carpet Affair" on Tuesday night, as the PGA Tour Wives Association hosted a fundraiser to benefit the Children's Aid & Family Services, one of Northern New Jersey's largest and oldest charities.

The exclusive event took place at the private Upper Saddle River home of Kevin and Pattie Conway, where guests mingled with PGA Tour pros while enjoying lavish hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and an unbelievable silent auction.

The fundraiser, which coincides with this weekend's Barclay's golf tournament at the Ridgewood Country Club running from Thursday through Sunday, was hosted by the master of ceremonies Marty Hackel and the fashion editor of Golf Digest and PTWA representative, Sandy Perry.

"The PGA Tour Wives Association has been organizing events like this since 1988 and through their efforts they have been able to raise over 3 million dollars for children in need," said Hackel, who looked stylish in a green plaid jacket and salmon-colored slacks.

President and CEO of Childrens Aid and Family Services, Dr. Robert Jones, was also in attendance to inform the guests of what his non profit origination's mission was.

"Children's Aid and Family Services preserves, protects and when needed, provides families," explained Jones. "We're motivated by compassion for vulnerable children, young adults, frail elderly and their families, and we provide high quality and innovative services that meet their social, educational and emotional needs."

The organization's Family and Adoption Services Center, located in the Village on Prospect Street, is also looking for foster home parents to help fill some of those needs.

After the opening speeches the golf pro's and their significant others were introduced to the guests. Those in attendance included nine time tour winner Justin Rose, 16 time winner Kenny Perry, former Ryder Cup member Hunter Mahan and the new PGA "It kid" Dustin Johnson.

After the introductions, everyone "wined and dined" the night away, with check books opening and cash beginning to flow.

Items auctioned off included a wine tour of the Tuscan countryside, a day with Dustin Johnson, and flight hours on the "Premier Private jet service," Sentient Jet. More modest items included a signed Ryder Cup Flag, Chanel handbags and exquisite jewelry.

"I don't know what to choose?! I would love one of those golf trips, but I think my wife has her eye on a few pieces of jewelry," said Kent Stevens of Upper Saddle River, who paused before adding, "Hey what the heck, I'll bid on both–it's for charity after all!"

This was one of the many charitable functions taking place during the week of the Barclay's, which is set to tee off at the Ridgewood Country Club on Thursday, August 24th. The tournament itself marks the first event of the PGA tour playoffs for the FedExCup and will again feature the top 125 players on the FedExCup points list.

Yes, that means Tiger Woods will be in attendance.

Since it's nearly impossible to talk golf without mentioning Woods, it was understandable that he was on the mind of at least one anonymous party-goer, who speculated what his chances might be this weekend.

"Hopefully now that his divorce has been finalized his mind can focus more on his golf game. But at the end of the day it is only a game, and events like these really help you to realize what the important things in life are."