WHO WE ARE
We often hear the expression "one of a kind." What does it mean? "There is no duplicate." "In a class by itself." "It stands alone."
It would appear that the Mercier Beefsteak Dinner has bragging rights to claim this unique leadership role. Let's explore why.
One might think theMercier Club as an unlikely candidate to have achieved such an accomplishment. The Mercier Club we knew has recently been disbanded. We, Friends of Mercier Sportsmen are their successor. We continue the tradition of camaraderie and icharitable purpose.
The Mercier Club was a Catholic, social organization comprised of families from communities in northern New Jersey. It was founded in 1932 and for many years was a vital part of the area's social scene. The club ran several social events throughout the year and raised money for various charitable organizations. Four to five hundred fathers and sons generally attended the annual sportsman award dinner.
The origins of the Mercier Club Beefsteak Dinner can be found some fifty years ago when a small group of male Club members would casually dine together with sports being the main topic of discussion. At a given point, there was a decision to make the event public and honor an outstanding individual from the sports world.
The honorees were to be individuals of significant achievement in the sports world. In addition, they have been people who fostered the highest ideals, showed loyalty to a team, school, or organization, displayed moral integrity, were involved in character building, and community outreach. The recipients have been sport stars, owners, managers, broadcasters, writers, directors, chaplains, and organizers of sport programs.
Awardees have risen to the top of their sport; baseball and football Hall of Famers,
Super Bowl and Stanley Cup winners, All-American selectees, as well as Heisman Trophy recipients. The honorees have been accomplished individuals both on and off the field of sport.
The club has been fortunate to find many deserving recipients with local ties to Essex County and New Jersey.
