NEW YORK, Oct. 17, 2011 – In the dramatic venue of the American Museum of Natural History 500 guests gathered on October 5 to celebrate the success of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York’s (TFTMNY) first decade. The chapter’s growth and its mission to impact the lives of young people in New York City was the focal point of the event, which raised more than $350,000 to support educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices using the game of golf as a vehicle.
A highlight of the event was President William Jefferson Clinton’s tribute to his late friend Lew Rudin, a founding Trustee of TFTMNY. Clinton touched on Rudin’s remarkable philanthropic legacy and he cited The First Tee’s efforts to improve the lives of underserved youth, applauding the organization’s role in serving the community. He presented the inaugural Lew Rudin Vision Award to Michael Rudin, grandson of Lew Rudin and member of the board of trustees of TFTMNY, who accepted on behalf of his family.
“The 10th Anniversary gala was a very special evening celebrating an amazing first 10 years of this important organization,” said Michael Rudin. “My entire family was honored to receive the first Lew Rudin Vision Award in recognition of the work my grandfather did to establish The First Tee of Metropolitan New York.”
Other special guests who played a role in the celebration were New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who kicked off the evening, and master of ceremonies Dan Hicks of NBC Sports who welcomed many leaders from golf and business communities including event co-chairmen Ken Langone, Jim Robinson and Seth Waugh. TFTMNY Executive Director Barry McLaughlin gave special recognition to The Barclays and MasterCard for their longstanding support. Joe Louis Barrow, CEO of The First Tee, recognized McLaughlin and founding partners and board members Jay Mottola of the Metropolitan Golf Association and Charles Robson of the Metropolitan Section of the PGA.
MasterCard and the Rudin Family were the evening’s presenting sponsors, with General Motors, Deutsche Bank and Ken Langone serving as core value sponsors.
“This is an exciting milestone for TFTMNY,” said McLaughlin. “Now that the first ten years are behind us, it is time to look ahead and use the vision of Lew Rudin to build upon our many successes.”
Contact:
Ed Brockner
Director of Development
ebrockner@thefirstteemetny.org
(917) 575-3809
Karen Moraghan
Hunter Public Relations
karen.moraghan@hunter-pr.com
(908) 876-5100
Covering the business of golf!
