Annual golf outing fundraiser aids Williamstown students
The official motto of Monroe Township is “Let’s grow together.” For one family in Williamstown, the roots run deep and their love for the community is strong.
Dr. Paul Van Houten founded Pine Street Family Practice in 1964. He was a member of the Williamstown community and wanted to keep his practice in the place he called home. Per the Pine Street Family Practice website, the philosophy of the practice is to treat each patient as if they are a family member.
Van Houten had four children who all grew up in Williamstown — Wendy, Lee Ann, Paul and Melissa. All four children are products of the Williamstown school district and three of the four stayed in the community after graduation. Donna Van Houten, wife and mother, was on the Williamstown Board of Education from 1966–2006.
Lee Ann followed in her father’s footsteps, joined the office in 1992. Tragedy struck the Van Houten family in 2002 when they lost their father.
With a goal to start a scholarship for Williamstown High School students while keeping the memory of their father alive, the Van Houten family started an annual golf outing as a fundraiser. Each year the Van Houten family awards two $2,500 scholarships to a male and female graduate of Williamstown High School. This past year, the two recipients were Heaven Chu and Nicholas Roback. To be chosen, the students apply with a paragraph about why they would like to pursue a career in any medical field and their transcript.
The Van Houten family also awards one $5,000 scholarship to a first-year student in Rowan’s Osteopathic Medicine program. This year’s recipient was Prutha Shah. This recipient is chosen by an application and financial need.
This year, the golf outing will take place Sept. 22 at Town and Country Golf Links in Woodstown. Check in begins at 11:30 a.m. and runs until 12:45 p.m. the day of the outing. The event starts at 1 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6 p.m.
The price for an individual golfer is $150 and includes a bag lunch and dinner. The price for a foursome is $500 and includes a bag lunch and dinner. For dinner only, the cost is $75. The deadline for registration is Sept. 7.
“We want to give back to the community and keep my father’s memory alive.” Lee Ann Van Houten-Sauter said. For more information contact Pine Street Family Practice at (856) 629–7436 or visit their website www.pinestreetfamilypractice.com
