“What can I do to help?”

How many of us have asked questions about ourselves in the past three months?

This is a question that no doubt confronts those fortunate enough not to be part of the frightening statistics related to the COVID-19 pandemic – whether millions have contracted it or tens of millions have lost their jobs as a result.

Since mid-March, we have witnessed nurses and doctors, police, paramedics and firefighters, dispatchers and grocery store workers continue their work and wonder what we would do without their courage on the front lines.

Last month, I was introduced to Eric Sedransk, a 35-year-old Jersey City resident and a diligent golfer, and I felt humbled by his smart initiative and simplicity where he found a way to help the sport we both like. for.

Sedransk created the “Member4aday Auction,” using golf as a vehicle to collect important money for frontline hospital workers in New York City.

He reached out to some of the most prestigious golf courses in the country and asked if they would donate one round of golf to the four so he could auction off for COVID-19 assistance.

Sedransk raised $ 101,186 in a week-long auction, which yielded 202 percent more than the stated goal.

“I set a target of $ 50,000 and, to be honest, I don’t think I have the opportunity to approach it, but I think it is aiming high,” he said. “I think I’ll raise maybe $ 20,000.”

Every penny of $ 101,186 goes to the Sedransk charity sedative, Frontline Project – which was founded by TNT reporter Allie LaForce and her husband, Houston Astros pitcher Joe Smith, to whom Sedransk was introduced by one of the donors for his auction, Dormie Network. The Frontline Project was created by LaForce and Smith to buy food from restaurants and send it to frontline hospital workers.

LaForce estimates that the money raised by Sedransk will provide between 10,000 and 12,500 food for hospital workers in the city.

The origin of the Sedransk project is the most surprising where it answers that question that bothers us: “What can I do to help?”

When quarantined at his mother’s home in Hilton Head, SC, where the golf course was never closed during the COVID-19 crisis, he said, “I feel this incredible guilt when I play golf while my friends and family in New York fight the pandemic. It encouraged me to do this like no one had ever pushed me before – trying to find a way that I could give back, which eventually led to this auction. “

Before he was laid off just before the pandemic struck, Sedransk carried out business development and partnerships for technology companies, so the background lent himself to making online auctions.

“I have just begun to reach some people I have known all my life, through business and through personal relationships,” he said. “I said, ‘Why not just reach out?’ Worse becomes worse, they will say, “No.” But I am raising money for COVID-19 for hospitals and frontline workers in New York City. No one will tell me, ‘Don’t call me.’ Even if they say, ‘No,’ they will say, ‘Thank you.’ It’s like the softest sale on earth, so I thought, why not try it? “

Sedransk’s first nickname was for a private course outside Philadelphia called Rolling Green, because he knew the chief professional happened to follow him on Instagram.

“I actually sent him a message on Instagram and he replied,” Yes, “Sedransk said.” Honestly, that’s all I need. I want to think that even if the first person says, “No,” I will continue. But like what whatever you do in life, if the first is what you need to carry on. Many places say, ‘No,’ because their rules don’t allow it. Some say, ‘Yes.’ “

Not just “a few.” Forty-eight of them.

Shinnecock Hills said yes.

Likewise with Friar’s Head, the course Phil Mickelson told me was “his favorite golf course in the world.”

Silo Ridge, part of the exclusive Discovery Land Company, said yes.

So is Medal, Tiger Woods home course.

Same with Sleepy Hollow, one of the regional gems in Westchester.

Prestwick in Scotland, the site of the British Open for the first time (October 1860), said yes, like the Mid Ocean Club in Bermuda.

“The response was outrageous,” Sedransk said.

So, too, is the end result.

“I think I can really use something,” he said. “I think there is a much greater opportunity to create a platform around golf and give away – auctions, prizes, events, content.”

Sedransk was successful with a one-day member auction so on Monday he launched another fundraising project to raise more money for COVID-19 assistance in New York City.

This one is a draw for one round of golf with former Yankee Johnny Damon at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge, a course that holds the annual Arnold Palmer Invitational, and one round of golf with former Giants star Justin Tuck at the Whipperwill Golf Club in Westchester.

Sedransk worked in concert with Damon, who donated a threesome on Bay Hill. Those who are interested can find more information at go.rallyup.com/johnnydamon.