New York City- Former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani stressed the importance of brining the game of golf to the inner cites as part of his speech delivered at The Metropolitan Golf Association Foundation’s “Golf Grows Here” Capital Campaign reception Thursday May 13th at the Sky Club in mid-town Manhattan. The reception launched the public phase of a $5 million dollar fundraising effort that will focus on attracting new golfers to the game by making it more affordable and accessible to all segments of society.

 

Giuliani, a latecomer to golf, was drawn to game by son Andrew, an accomplished golfer who competes in MGA Foundation competitions. During his tenure as Mayor, he was involved with the launch of the National First Tee, which kicked off in Central Park, and was instrumental in helping to bring the area’s inaugural First Tee site to the Mosholu Golf Center, in the Bronx.

 

The reception was attended by 200 club and community leaders, including Donald Trump, owner of several Met Area golf courses, and former NYS Governor Hugh Carey, whose Irish American Matches – “The Carey Cup” - benefits the MGA Foundation, and NYC Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe who represented Mayor Bloomberg’s office. The evening also featured remarks from David B. Fay, Executive Director of the USGA, Paul Dillon, President of the MGA and Chairman of the MGA Foundation Board of Directors, and NBC Sportscaster Jimmy Roberts who acted as MC.

 

One of the most moving parts of the evening was provided by 15- year-old Carlos Frestan, one of the seven students recognized for their participation in the MGA Foundation’s junior programs, who eloquently described what his experience s in the First Tee and GolfWorks have meant to him.

 For his complete speech click here.

 

This is the MGA’s first major Capital Campaign in 107 years and will reach out to private and public golf clubs and area golfers to support the Foundation’s “Golf Grows Here” Capital Campaign. The funds raised will be used to further the Foundation’s mission of bringing the game of golf to a wider audience that focuses on deserving young people who would normally not be exposed to the game and the positive values it teaches.

 

To view Image Gallery from the Capital Campaign Launch Reception, please Click Here.

 

To Make an Online Donation to the MGA Foundation, please Click Here.

 

For more information please contact Jeanne McCooey or Tommy Dee at (914) 347-4653, or visit the MGA’s website www.mgagolf.org.

 

 

- MGA -