LPGA Amateur- Westchester's 2023 charity golf outing in North Salem to benefit W Connection

The LPGA Amateur-Westchester will host its 2023 Charity Golf Outing on Monday, July 24 at Salem Golf Club in North Salem, in support of The W Connection, a national nonprofit organization that helps widows rebuild their lives after loss. Family and friends of The W Connection, along with the general public in support of their mission, are welcome to join any or all of the day’s events. Players of all skill levels can create their own foursome or be paired with other players to participate in a Team Scramble format, with additional contests held on the beautiful Salem Golf Club grounds. The outing also offers a one-hour beginner’s golf clinic, as well as silent auction, happy hour and luncheon reception.

The W Connection was founded in 2009 by Dawn Nargi and Ellen Kamp with the goal of building a support network for widows. Nargi’s son was only one month old when her husband, Norman Ferren, was diagnosed with cancer. Two short months later, her beloved husband of 7 years passed away. In unfamiliar territory as a new mother and widow, seeking help during this difficult time proved to be more challenging than Nargi expected. There weren’t many resources outside of grief counseling available to help her navigate this new world she found herself in. She had practical questions along with emotional ones over losing her partner. Nargi connected with her coworker, Kamp, who had also lost her husband. She began to grow stronger from the comfort and guidance they brought to one another.

“The people who were the best support for me during that time were ones who had been through it,” says Nargi. It was from this companionship that The W Connection was created. “When you lose a partner, you don’t just lose them; you also lose your social, financial, and emotional partner, too. The W Connection is about creating a community where you are surrounded by others who have been there,” says Nargi.

Nargi with son, William, in 2007. Photo credit: Dawn Nargi

The W Connection aims to empower new members by pairing them with a FirstConnect volunteer, someone to welcome and guide them through the community and its offerings. These supports include virtual wellness webinars and workshops, education through monthly peer- to-peer support meetings and newsletter, virtual book clubs focusing on strong female role models, and access to local “clubs” where members can meet in person in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, California, and Missouri. Additionally, The W Connection hosts quarterly StepOuts so that virtual members have the opportunity to meet in person.

Community bonding at a W Connection StepOut event Photo credit: Dawn Nargi

W Connection leaders say they are honored to be sponsored by LPGA Amateur- Westchester at this golf outing. “It is a wonderful opportunity to have access to such a gorgeous course,” says Nargi about Salem Golf Club. Registration is open through July 21. Virtual access to the silent auction will go live on July 17.

Click here for more information and to register for the Monday, July 24 golf outing.

For more information about W Connection, visit: Widowsconnection.org

Salem Golf Club is located at 18 Bloomer Rd. North Salem, NY (914) 669-5485