Rahway's ILove2Read Holds First Mini-Golf Tournament and Fundraiser

I Love 2 Read (IL2R), a Rahway-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting literacy and joy of reading, held its inaugural mini-golf tournament and fundraiser on September 20, 2026, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Rahway Recreation Center. Despite damp, drizzly, and rainy weather, the family-friendly event drew community members for games, reading activities, and fundraising.

THE TOURNAMENT

Bounce 'N Putt of Plainfield and Piscataway and Watchung Mini Golf Rental supplied the nine-hole rounds and hole-in-one challenge. Participants competed in two rounds of nine-hole mini-golf and had four attempts at the hole-in-one challenge. Peter Mesa won the 2026 tournament championship, while Elijah Mesa won the hole-in-one challenge.

COMMUNITY & CULTURE

The event featured eight authors ranging in age from eight years old to considerably older, showcasing works across inspirational, educational, drama, and action genres. A gaming area included Scrabble, Boggle, Trivial Pursuit, and Would You Rather, along with a life-sized book search created during the 2024 IL2R book festival, a reading lounge, and tables of free books and mystery book bundles.

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FOOD & ATMOSPHERE

Down2dabone Caterers served picnic-style fare including hamburgers, hot dogs, sides, and fixings. Sassy Sips provided artisanal lemonade, and Danny's My Ice Cream Truck provided soft serve ice cream. Event organizer Karla Alvarez told TAPinto Rahway the event succeeded in bringing the community together.

"The family-friendly event was filled with smiles, laughs, joy, conversations, and community building," Alvarez said. "Definitely a good time was had by all."

ABOUT I LOVE 2 READ

IL2R is a Rahway-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on promoting the joy of reading and elevating literacy importance for youth and families. The organization has been operating since 2020, hosting community programs and literacy initiatives.

FUTURE PLANS

IL2R plans to hold the mini-golf tournament again next year, establishing it as an annual community fundraiser. The organization is also scheduling a walk for literacy fundraiser in the spring.

FAQ

What is I Love 2 Read (IL2R)?
IL2R is a Rahway-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on promoting the joy of reading and elevating literacy importance for youth and families. The organization has been operating since 2020 and hosts community programs and literacy initiatives.

When was the mini-golf tournament held?
The inaugural mini-golf tournament and fundraiser took place on September 20, 2026, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Rahway Recreation Center.

Who won the tournament?
Peter Mesa won the 2026 mini-golf tournament championship. Elijah Mesa won the hole-in-one challenge.

What activities were available at the event?
The event featured two rounds of nine-hole mini-golf, a hole-in-one challenge, board games (Scrabble, Boggle, Trivial Pursuit, Would You Rather), a life-sized book search, a reading lounge, free books, and mystery book bundles. Eight authors showcased works in inspirational, educational, drama, and action genres.

What food was served?
Down2dabone Caterers served hamburgers, hot dogs, sides, and fixings. Sassy Sips provided artisanal lemonade, and Danny's My Ice Cream Truck provided soft serve ice cream.

Was the event affected by the weather?
Yes, the event took place during damp, drizzly, and rainy weather on September 20. The indoor mini-golf tournament and other activities at the recreation center were ideal for the weather conditions.

Is the tournament happening again?
Yes, IL2R plans to hold the mini-golf tournament again next year, establishing it as an annual community fundraiser and fundraising event.

What other events does IL2R plan?
IL2R is scheduling a walk for literacy fundraiser in the spring 2027. The organization continues to host community programs and literacy initiatives throughout the year.

How can I support I Love 2 Read?
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, IL2R welcomes community support for its literacy programs and events. Community members can participate in fundraising events like the mini-golf tournament and spring walk for literacy.

What makes IL2R's mission important?
IL2R focuses on promoting the joy of reading and elevating literacy importance for youth and families. The organization believes in building strong literacy foundations and fostering community love of reading.