August 29, 2017
Hackettstown, N.J., August 29, 2017 – One year ago, Joe Mahaffey, a Centenary Business Administration major from the class of 2010 and son of long-time university staff member and alumna, Trish Varn Mahaffey ‘75/’78, had a life-threatening motorcycle accident. As a result, Centenary University, Rutherfurd Hall and CWeb will be sponsoring a fundraiser that is designed for the entire family. All proceeds will go toward his extensive medical expenses. Members of the community are invited to participate in this is a family-friendly event.
Joe Mahaffey is currently a resident of Knowlton, N.J. He was engaged to Ashley Thorn, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, only one month before his accident. Though the turn of events put their wedding plans temporarily on hold, the couple still plan to marry in the not so distant future. Joe has steadily made progress over the past year and can now stand on his own!
The event will take place from noon to 8 p.m. on September 9, 2017 at Rutherfurd Hall, which is located at 1686 Route 517 in Allamuchy. Tours of Rutherfurd Hall will take place during the eight hour period. Food and craft vendors, as well as local breweries will be available throughout the day. A live auction will take place at 4:30 p.m. and the silent auction will close at 5:15 p.m. Live music will also take place for the duration of the event. The performances will be as follows: Al Kessler and Friends at 12 p.m.; Kate & Paul at 1 p.m.; Winterlong at 2 p.m.; Olive Mountain Boys at 3 p.m.; Pentley Holmes at 4 p.m.; Dave Haney and Lisa Baldwin at 5 p.m.; Andrew Sheldon at 6 p.m.; and Steve Kirchuk at 7 p.m.
There will be a children’s concert at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. by the lake with Lisa Baldwin, spouse of Centenary University President Dr. David P. Haney. Lisa Baldwin spearheaded this initiative for the Mahaffey family with the help of volunteers from Centenary University and the community.
“This is a great opportunity for families and friends from all around to have a fun day at historic Rutherfurd Hall, play outdoors, relax and listen to great music, purchase delicious food and drink and enjoy a picnic on the lawn,” says Lisa Baldwin. “Joe and his family have worked extremely hard this past year, and we look forward to showing them how proud we are to see such continued progress. We know that helping others make us feel good, and this will definitely be a “feel good” day.”
Attendees are suggested to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Coolers and dogs are not permitted at this event. Tickets are $15. Centenary University students are $10 and children under 12 are free. This event will take place rain or shine. For more information or if you are interested in donating to the live or silent auctions, please call (908) 852-1894, ext. 338 or (908) 852-1400, ext. 2238 or ext. 5015. Please see Joe’s GoFundMe page at https://goo.gl/F3wuXM.
Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix is designed to provide an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world.
Centenary University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township (Morris County). The Centenary School of Professional Studies offers degree programs online and in two locations: Parsippany and Edison, online, as well as corporate sites throughout New Jersey.