Tell us about the major community projects you are involved in. St. Clare’s Silent Auction Committee, St. Clare’s Breast Cancer Walk Committee, Chairman of The Dope Open Golf Tournament, Member of the Dover Rotary Club, Board Member emeritus for DAYTOP NJ, Morris County Chamber of Commerce Member, Tri-County Scholarship and the 200 Club.

What is the Dope Open? The Dope Open is an annual golf tournament that raises money to prevent and fight drug abuse in Morris County. Currently, we have 250 volunteers working the event. We have raised $12 million over the past 40 years. In addition, through the efforts made at its inception, the state of New Jersey has given DAYTOP NJ $17 million over the past 17 years.

How did you decide to launch the Dope Open 40 years ago? As president of the Morris County Medical Auxiliary, I was asked by Paul McKenna, a detective for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, to help combat drug abuse after four Morris County teens died from heroin overdoses.

First, I helped launch a methadone maintenance clinic called the Morris Aftercare Center, and [I] started a program [for] drug-abuse prevention. The program started with only $6.27 in the treasury. You couldn’t educate anyone on that. So I decided to start an annual fundraising golf tournament. [That’s when] the Dope Open was born.

What organizations benefit from the money raised by the Dope Open? DAYTOP Village, Hope House, Sunrise House, Mrs. Wilson’s House, Integrity House, Eva’s Kitchen, Battered Women of NJ, Special Forces, DEA of NJ and DARE programs throughout the state [benefit]. The Dope Open has supported local law enforcement by purchasing DUI machines and bulletproof vests for 15 NJ towns.

Tell us about your educational background? I attended The College of St. Elizabeth in Florham Park, NJ. My major was Sociology.

What do you derive your greatest satisfaction from? Helping people gives me my greatest satisfaction. I was [a] sociology major at St. Elizabeth’s and the nuns started us on community service. We volunteered at the Neighborhood House in Morristown and the Madison House in Madison. This is where the importance of giving back was first instilled in me.

Tell us about your family? I have been blessed with six children: Patti Poland, a clinical practice manager at Morristown Memorial Hospital; Moira Diravage, a regional sales manager for Brighton in Colorado Springs, Co.; Bob Mulholland, an attorney at law for Mulholland Law Firm in Atlanta, Ga.; Kevin Mulholland, [in] Morristown Police [and] retired 25 years; Colonel Sean Mulholland, group commander with the Army 7th Special Forces; and Sheila Mulholland, a vice president of sales for Fifth Dimension. I also have 17 grandchildren.

How else do you spend your time including what you do for fun? I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren. We go to the movies a lot. I also like watching old movies on television. I consider the work I do fun. I love going to work everyday. My life is St. Clare’s. I never feel alone when I’m there. Volunteering gives me my greatest satisfaction.

What is your favorite Restaurant? The Park Avenue Club is a favorite of mine. I was one of the founders of the club. All of the profits raised go to charities. Rods in Madison is another favorite. I love their turkey sandwiches with gray and cranberry sauce.

Contact information:

Website: www.dopeopen.org