Guiding Eyes for the Blind president & CEO Bill Badger, Guiding Eyes Marsha, NY Giants Quarterback and Golf Classic host Eli Manning, and Guiding Eyes Board chairman Donald Matthews.
On
May 11, 2009, Guiding Eyes for the Blind welcomed the return of NY
Giants Quarterback Eli Manning at the Spring Tee-Off for their 32nd
annual Guiding Eyes Golf Classic. The sponsor recognition party was
held at Mulino's of Westchester in White Plains, NY.
Joined by Guiding Eyes puppies, staff, and supporters, Eli Manning
greeted the crowd and expressed his excitement for the upcoming Classic.
Returning for his third year as host, Eli was introduced to the Guiding
Eyes Golf Classic through family friend and 18-time Corcoran Cup champion
Patrick W. Browne, Jr. County Executive Andy Spano presented Eli with
a proclamation declaring May 11 “Eli Manning Day” in Westchester
County.
The Tee-Off also featured recent Guiding Eyes graduate Allan Golabek,
who lost his sight at the age of 24 as the result of a motorcycle accident.
Given less than a 2% chance of survival, Allan beat the odds and worked
hard to regain his confidence and resume his life. He secured a world
record for a water ski jump with his first Guiding Eyes dog, Kessler,
by his side. A licensed massage therapist, Allan continues to advocate
for blindness related issues with his second dog, Guiding Eyes Rocky.
For the third consecutive year, Mulino's of Westchester generously
donated their services for the Tee-Off. Known for their excellent food,
warm ambiance, and superior service, Mulino's has been repeatedly
voted among the best Italian restaurants in Westchester County.
Guiding Eyes for the Blind will hold their Golf Classic on June 15,
2009 at Whippoorwill Club in Armonk, NY and Mount Kisco Country Club
in Mount Kisco, NY – two of the region's favorite and most
challenging courses. Founded by PGA legend Ken Venturi in 1977, the
Classic has raised over $6 million for the organization, which provides
guide dogs – at no charge – to blind and visually impaired
men and women around the world. Last year 340 golfers teed off, raising
a record-breaking $450,000.
As part of the Classic, Guiding Eyes will also present the Corcoran
Cup, the “Masters” of blind golf, on Sunday, June 14. Fourteen
top U.S. Blind Golfers Association (USBGA) players will compete for
the coveted award. Each blind golfer plays with a coach who aids in
club selection, alignment, setup, and distances. On Monday, blind golfers
will challenge their sighted counterparts to experience golf as a visually
impaired person by inviting them to take a shot at hitting the ball
blindfolded.
