For the first time in our 21-year history, our Golf Classic went virtual. And what a success it was! For an hour on Sept. 21, valued friends, donors, and corporate partners gathered for an uplifting evening of fundraising and unity in support of Children’s Aid.
Despite these strange times, we maintained much of the same energy and heart that is typically found at our in-person Golf Classic. We had the pleasure of welcoming famed NBC 4 New York Lead Sports Anchor Bruce Beck, who led our live auction and direct pledge. We also heard from Baltusrol Director of Golf Ryan Fountaine, who gave us an “Insider’s Edition” update on the renovations taking place at our beloved course in preparation for the 2023 KPMG Women’s PGA and the 2029 PGA. Together, we celebrated our essential, front-line responders who have helped keep New York City afloat during these uncertain times, as well as those individual and corporate partners who have helped make our work possible.
Children’s Aid’s President and CEO Phoebe Boyer shared how the organization has remained strong and continued to support 50,000 children and their families during the global pandemic. We were also privileged to hear from Ilda Mercardo, our evening’s youth representative, Children’s Aid College Scholarship recipient and Monroe College alumnae. Ilda spoke about her involvement in many of the programs offered by the Children’s Aid East Harlem Community Center, which provided her with a multitude of opportunities and long-lasting, meaningful support.
“I just want to take the time to share my upmost gratitude to Children’s Aid,” she said. “Growing up in El Barrio and in a single-parent household, I learned that the word ‘can’t’ was not allowed in my vocabulary, and this led me to take on every opportunity that was handed to me. All those opportunities began at the East Harlem Center. I participated in every single program that was provided: Kumon, Art Therapy, Project LIVE, Torch Club, The Keystone Club, Food Justice, sports, Teen Program and the list goes on. I can still remember the names of the influential people who conducted these programs.”
Together, we raised more than $140,000 for Children’s Aid. The generosity of this year’s Golf Classic supporters ensures that young people like Ilda have the necessary resources and support to pursue their biggest aspirations.
We are so very grateful to our host committee who made this year’s event as successful as it was, despite the challenges we faced due to Covid-19. Thank you to: Mark Allen and Russel Hamilton (co-chairs), along with Scott Alfieri, Christopher Brady, Clint Factor, Brad Gruby, Jon Harrington, Andrew S. Molloy and Stephen Powers. Without the dedication, leadership and generosity of our committee, this unique and first-ever virtual fundraiser would not have taken place.
We also want to give a huge thank you to our sponsors: long-time founding sponsor Accenture, our champion sponsor Transwestern Real Estate Services, our hospitality sponsor Schiff Hardin and our classic sponsors Hilton Capital Management and Stone Point Capital.
Finally, thank you to our in-kind donors: Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, Callaway, Dowdle Folk Art, Coach, JT’s Confections, Lo & Sons, EyeMed, Bombas, Kramer Renaissance Portraits, GK Framing, Lizzie Fortunato, Thomas Hennessy, Nunbelievable, Providence Bar & Kitchen, Clint Factor, Warren Dodge, Scott Alfieri, Bruce Beck, Golf Etc. Morristown, The Vineyards Golf Club, Bistro Seven Three, and Jon Harrington
We appreciate each and every one of you and cannot wait to see you at our 2021 Golf Classic on July 19!
