Outing History
From Galiano Open, to POP Frohlinger, to POP/Joe Marchese.

The Galliano Open

Originally, the golf outing was run as "The Galliano Open," because Galliano liqueur was a very popular drink within the group. Those in charge of the affair were Joe Marchese, Gene Frohlinger, Gil Basso, and Jordan Danziger. Sometime later, Gil Basso was replaced by John Cartolano. The first outing, on June 14, 1974, was the day Hurricane Agnes hit New York.

When the first outing (approximately 50 people attended) provided about US $500, the group decided to make it US $1,000 and give it to The National Kidney Foundation. The golfers continued to donate to The National Kidney Foundation until 1988.

The "POP" Frohlinger Open - Two Decades of Giving

After the passing of Pop Frohlinger in 1979, the affair's name was changed to the "Pop" Frohlinger Memorial Invitational Golf Tournament. In 1989, Troop 5 of the Boy Scouts of America was the benefactor of approximately US $19,000. In 1991, the group ran the outing to benefit Deborah Hospital . Then, in 1992, it was decided that since this was an elevator industry outing, the funds would go to the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation (EESF)

The Pop Frohlinger golf tournament - held in 1992 at Bellport Country Club on Long Island - was the first event ever played with the proceeds benefiting the Foundation. Joe Marchese, who had then served as an EESF Board member, brought the idea to the organizing committee and received an immediate agreement. Gene Frohlinger remarked, "Pop was a short man, but he would be 10 feet tall to know we're supporting safety in the industry." Approximately 112 individuals �played, ate, bought raffle tickets and participated in 50/50 drawings to ultimately net US $13,121. The relationship began, and the organizers were committed to continue. Joe Marchese said, "We're glad to have been first, and we hope it starts a trend of giving back to the industry that supports all of us."

In 1993 the outing was moved to, the Leewood Country Club in Eastchester , New York . The Marcheses (Joe and John) and Frohlingers (Gene and Joel) teamed to generate US $13,621` for EESF programs. The first Foundation Chairman's Award was presented in recognition of the significant support provided by the area's industry throughout the tournament. Many commented, "We're doing this for Pop; it's what he would have wanted." The trend at Leewood continued, and in 1994, son Frank (Marchese) joined the organizing committee. The 1994 event raised US $10,795 for the Foundation and brought the three year total to US $36,865.

Solidifying the event as the biggest held for the Foundation's benefit, it was fitting that this event should carry the name Pop Frohlinger, who was a man who loved the industry, but never played a round of golf. The 1995 event attracted over 100 golfers and netted US $11,611. A competing tourney reduced the attendance and the net proceeds.

In 1996, the tournament organizers were without the services of Joe Marchese, who was recovering from a hospital stay and ordered not to play - the only way he wouldn't have been there. However, Joe was there in spirit, and everyone wished him a speedy recovery. A sign on one tee held a promise he would be back for 1997. Fortunately, plenty of Marcheses were on hand to take up the slack, with John & Frank taking time off to work with Gene and Joel Frohlinger, with strong contributions from Lynda Marchese. A smooth tournament and another huge success was thus assured. John also managed to win the longest drive! Proceeds from the Leewood Club event generated US $11,448, making the five-year total a whopping US $59,800 or - puffing it the way Pop (and Joe) would have wanted it - educated nearly 160,000 second graders on the industry's safety message!

1997 NEW NAME, SAME GREAT RESULTS � POP /JOE

The Twenty-fourth Annual Pop Frohlinger/ Joe Marchese Memorial Invitational Golf Tournament had a new name added to the memorial, with the passing of tournament founder Joe Marchese. The proceeds of the event - over US $11,452 - again went to the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation (EESF). Ninety-six golfers, and many more diners, enjoyed the fine weather and hospitality of Leewood Country Club in East Chester , New York . A Younger generation of tournament organizers orchestrated a great event for the benefit of the Foundation. John Marchese, Joel Frohlinger, Vincent Moscato and Frank Marchese joined tournament veteran Gene Frohlinger to put on another flawless event with special help from Lynda Marchese, Linda Frohlinger and Angela Marchese.

Tee Marker Sponsors included: Able Elevator, the Frohlinger Family, Thompson Company, John Marchese, Frank and Lynda Marchese, Universal Elevator, Elite, EPCO, Morty Lynn , Archer, Tyler , Century and GAL. In addition, the Thompson Company sponsored the dinner in memory of company founder Joe Marchese and great friend POP Frohlinger.

In 1998 the 25th annual Pop Joe outing was held at the Leewood Country Club in Eastchester , New York . One hundred and twelve golfers enjoyed a great day of golf, with several more joining us for dinner. The raffle sales and 50/50 prizes generated additional income and netted a total of $13,038, which allowed the Foundation to reach over 50,000 second graders with the Safe-T Rider program.

The 26th Annual Pop/Joe was again held at Leewood in 1999. One hundred and seven golfers braved a little rain at the start of the tournament and sever more joined us for dinner along with a 50/50 prize and raffle gifts. A great time was had by all and the outing raised a net $12,586, which allowed EESF to reach over 50,000 second graders with the Safe-T Rider program. This year the committee and MC, Gene Frohlinger recognized Aldo Ghirardi for his 50 years of service with the O�Thompson Company. This was the first time that the information for the outing was posted on the internet, with the EESF link to the site from its home page (eesf.org)

In 2000 the 27th Annual Pop/Joe returned to the Leewood County club in Westchester on June 19. This time, one hundred and twenty seven golfers played in the beautiful sunshine, with twenty more joining us for dinner. The outing netted a total of $15,305 for the EESF, allowing them to reach 57,220 second graders in the Safe-T Rider program. The committee decided to start a tradition and honor someone from the industry who had made a contribution and who we all love. That year the honoree was to be Gene Frohlinger, but due to illness he could not make it to the outing. We presented his plaque to his son Joel to send to him.

In 2001, one hundred and fourteen golfers enjoyed the beautiful weather in New York for a great tournament, with many more joining us for dinner. at the 28th Annual Pop/Joe, again held at Leewood. This year the honorees were Herb and Walter Glaser from G.A.L. Manufacturing Co., who have been great friends and innovators in out industry. The outing netted a total of $15,182 for the EESF, but Herb and Walt Glaser donated addition funds to bring this years total to $15,000! We thank these two great guys for their contributions. Doug Gillman ot Elite Cab Company joined the committee to help with the ever increasing tasks involved in planning an outing.

In 2002, for the 29th Annual Pop Joe, golfers enjoyed clear skies and comfortable temperatures for a great day of golf and dinner. This year's honoree was Ed Bonardi of Archer Elevvator Company who was a very good sport as Gene Frohlinger roasted him thoroughly from the podium with unequaled with and humor. The event netted $13,979 for EESF.

In 2003 the 30th Annual Pop Joe outing was held at the Stonebridge Golf Club in Hauppauge , N.Y. This year�s honoree was Bobby DeFrancessco (Bobby D) from Benefield Electric Supply Co. We had a completely sold out crowd, but had a late start due to an overturned tanker truck on the LIE, which held up many of the participants. We had a great day and lots of fun and the event netted a record $ 23,818 for the EESF.

In 2004 the 31st Annual Pop Joe outing was held at Stonebridge again. This year�s honoree was Al Ghirardi from the O�Thompson Co. We had a very rainy start and it kept up all day, but many still managed to get in most of a round and we had a great cocktail hour and dinner. The event netted $ 21,894 for the EESF.

In 2005 the 32nd Annual Pop Joe outing was held at the Middle Bay Country Club in Oceanside , N.Y. This years honoree was Flo Brennor from GAL, who is one of the most loved people in the industry. We had another complete sell out, with a waiting list ! The dinner and cocktail hour were superb. Everyone had a great time and commented on how good the food was and how nice the course was. This year�s event netted $ 22,457 for the EESF.

In 2006 the 33rd Annual Pop Joe outing was again held at the Middle Bay Country Club. This year we honored the Peelle Co, and recognized their 100 years serving the Elevator Industry with quality freight elevator doors.

We had another sell out this year. The seafood bar at the cocktail hour was filed with so many delicious types of seafood. This year�s event netted a new record $ 23,823 for the EESF.
In 2007 the 34th Annual Pop Joe outing was held at the Middle Bay Country Club and was the biggest success to date. This year�s honoree was Tom Olenick of VDA, We sold out once again and had a long waiting list. As in the past two years the Golf was great, the prizes fabulous and the food delicious. This year we raised over$ 30,000 for the EESF.

The POP JOE Memorial Invitational Golf Tournament had raised over a quarter million dollars for the EESF.

Pop Frohlinger and Joe Marchese, who are the first honorees of this tournament, and who's personal contributions to the elevator industry are legendary, would be very proud of the current honorees and the great work their family and friends are doing for the Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation and the Elevator Industry.