$202,000! – the record-breaking total raised on Monday, July 2, at Skyline Restoration’s 10th Annual Golf Classic. This year, and for the first time, the event was held at Old Westbury Golf and Country Club, a larger and more challenging venue that accommodated the event’s growing size. The outing’s mission is to raise money for various charities where the funds are first channeled through The Skyline Charitable Foundation and then distributed to the charities supported by the tournament: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; Ronald McDonald House New York; The New York Center for Children; ASAH, African Soul, American Heart; and, a first this year, the Chordoma Foundation.
The robust figure comes just shy of doubling last year’s total of $109,000.
Apparently, for Skyline, the tenth anniversary was the charm, setting the standard for new heights going forward.
“This was the most successful outing we’ve ever held – by far!” said Jasen Geraghty, executive vice president of Skyline Restoration. Jasen reprised his role as emcee presenting tournament awards – including best foursome, most honest foursome, longest drive, and closest to the pin - in addition to handing out raffle prizes ranging from headphones, inflatable paddle boards and smart TVs to Mets and Yankees tickets.
The outing’s success is represented by the level of participation across the industry with attendance from over 50 organizations - a number that is rising year to year. And this year, the number of participants increased by almost 50%, growing from last year’s total of 132 players to this year’s roster of 196 golfers.
Old Westbury Golf and Country Club, the former estate of Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney that sprawls on close to 200 acres along Long Island’s Gold Coast, has multiple courses offering a combination of 27 holes.
Eva Hatzaki, Andromeda’s director of communications, marketing & public affairs, and golf chairperson directing the diligent team behind the outings since their inception in 2008, said, “The ongoing support of our sponsors, the majority of which have been with us from Day One, is amazing and we are deeply grateful. And, our base is expanding. We’ve been able to attract new participants each year among our vendors, suppliers and others, this time, fortunately, more than ever before. It's great to see Skyline's philanthropic efforts being recognized by so many.” She continued, “This outing demonstrates our valued relationships in the industry – our supporters represent long-term loyalty and newfound trust.”
Rygo Foss, Andromeda’s general counsel said, “The event is getting bigger and stronger, and so we moved to a larger club. It all worked out better than we could have ever imagined.”
“It’s a testament to the success of the event that we’ve grown,” said Skyline Restoration’s president, John Tsampas.
“We couldn’t have done any of this without all of you,” said Jasen, clearly moved as he held mic in hand at the podium, leading off a chorus of resounding applause. The applause reflected sentiments shared by participants who gave unanimously high marks to Skyline and the ‘magnificent venue’ that provided a wonderful day of golf enjoyed by all – even though temperatures hovered in the scorching high 90s. Jasen said that the growing number of clients, suppliers and vendors invited this year “believe in the event and what it stands for.” Seeing the overwhelming response, he added, “I feel very optimistic moving forward.”
All were eager to offer accolades.
Joe Hoekzema, NY regional manager, Kemper System America Inc., was glad to dub the event “The premiere golf outing for our industry.”
A tournament sponsor, the highest level of sponsorship for 10 years running, James Fenniman, senior director construction practice with Gallagher Construction Services said, “It’s better every year. Hospitality. Venue. People. It’s a first-class event.” Other tournament sponsors, M&T Bank and Spring Scaffolding, were represented at the event by Roy Vollmer and Will Laffey, respectively.
Brian Sullivan, Sullivan Engineering LLC, a long-time supporter said, “The crowd was great, the atmosphere throughout the day was a fun group supporting a great cause.” He was also glad to “see faces I haven’t seen in a while.”
Sponsor and longtime friend to Skyline, Howard Materetsky, head of Materetsky Financial Group, praised the charities supported and noted that this is an event that “anyone who can support should. There are enough takers in the world, there should be more givers.”
Vebi Barami, president of Barami Construction, a first-time player and sponsor said, “Skyline is known for helping charities in need. I wanted to be part of this event. I admire what they do”.
Danny Morogiello, restoration specialist with Belden Tri-State Building Materials, is one of the original participants. Said Danny, “Charity is first and foremost.”
Kris Steele, owner, New Castle Building Products, was glad to help the worthy causes and gave thumbs up to the “more challenging, longer, more fun course” and the “well-organized, very well-run event.”
First-timer to the tournament Kelly Burke, technical sales rep with W.R. Grace, also called the outing very “well-run,” and was “glad to be a part of this.”
Mike and Dan Orlowski, who work with Peter Amato of Site Safety LLC, cheered Skyline for putting on “an amazing event for an amazing cause.” Dan, safety manager, is already “looking forward to next year” after greatly enjoying this year’s outing.
Michael Bennett, sales rep with Von Rohr Equipment Corp., viewed the Classic as an opportunity “to support Skyline and the charities for people in need.”
Dan Boccard, sales rep with sponsor SPEC MIX, agreed that it’s a two-way street, “Skyline supports us and we’re glad to support them.”
Dave Lappe, manufacturer’s rep, New York and New Jersey with MAPEI Corp.,was a first-time participant glad to be part of “a great cause and great event.”
Another first-timer, Bill Fusco, project manager with J.T. Magen & Company Inc., gave kudos to what Skyline is doing to help so many charities and felt “honored to be a part of it.”
Long-time supporter Tim Vollenbroek, principal/owner of Paradigm Architectural and Design Consulting, said this is his seventh straight year playing. He called the tournament “a great cause that we look forward to participating in annually.”
Stephen Holihan, attorney with Holihan & Associates PC, summarized all, praising “a great bunch of people gathering together for a bunch of great causes… It’s wonderful to hear all the laughter and camaraderie.”
Chris Acheson, owner, The Acheson Group, who came for the first time, put it simply: “Whenever we have an opportunity to give back, we love to!”
Mary Ellen Bianco, senior vice president with Flushing Bank, was happy to have a chance to support Skyline, a customer, and the causes. The extra bonus was that “the networking was great.”
Marius Ebner, senior project manager with Superstructures Engineers & Architects, has been working with Skyline for over 20 years and was glad to show support.
Tina Tapinekis, partner with Surface Design Group, was enthusiastic. “I love the new venue.” She praised the “great charity event” and the “great team of people I look forward to seeing every year.”
As Jasen handed out the last few prizes to lucky winners while the crowd thinned out, he took a moment to reflect.What’s it all for? “To give back. To the children, to the City.” It’s about having “everyone get involved.” He thought a moment, then added that he is proud to “be part of an organization that can afford to give back and that cares about the community.”
Who Is it All For? - The Charities Benefiting
Ronald McDonald House New York
Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Ronald McDonald House® New York provides temporary lodging and care for families while their child battles cancer.
Nicole Battista, development officer, explained that “Ronald McDonald House is keeping families close while their child battles pediatric cancer. Events such as Skyline’s help families.” She noted her deep appreciation that Skyline “has been generous enough to support us at the fundraising outing, as well as visiting the house and supporting the Greek division’s annual party for all children and families.”
Spiridoula Katechis, administrator of the Greek division, which is, said Spiridoula, “the only Greek division in the world,” noted that the founder of the division, Niki Sideris, wanted to represent her country and culture and help Greek families coming to New York looking “to have somewhere where they feel like home.” She said, “We are continuing her legacy. Skyline is committed to supporting our cause in many ways – and the families as well. We are very happy to know Skyline.”
The New York Center for Children
NYCC is a child-friendly free clinic providing assessment and therapy to victims of child abuse. It also offers professional training on the diagnosis and treatment of child abuse and works to increase awareness and prevention.
Christine Crowther, executive director, said, “We’re thrilled to be here for the fourth year in a row. We’re really grateful for Skyline’s commitment to our work, to help children heal from abuse. We’re excited to see how it’s grown over the years – this year is a great leap!” Speaking from the podium, she added, “This event directly helps children suffering from abuse.”
Jennifer Grubman, therapist, said, “As a small nonprofit, events like these are tremendous in helping children who have experienced trauma.”
ASAH – African Soul, American Heart
Rygo Foss, Andromeda’s general counsel, introduced the company three years ago to ASAH through his late father, architect John Foss. ASAH's mission is to protect, educate, and empower orphans, primarily girls, often transplanted from the South Sudan to Uganda due to safety concerns. It protects them from forced marriage and other perilous paths at puberty; educates them in school subjects and life skills; and empowers them to be leaders in their communities.
The organization is doing well says Rygo who is special counsel to the board of ASAH. “This outing gives them support every year,” he said.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital works to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay.
Chordoma Foundation
The Foundation is the newest addition to Skyline’s charities.
The Chordoma Foundation is a nonprofit organization working to improve the lives of those affected by chordoma, a rare type of cancerous tumor, through research and the development of effective treatment methods. The organization states, “We envision a future in which everyone affected by chordoma is able to overcome the disease and maintain their quality of life.”
2018 Skyline Golf Classic Sponsors:
TOURNAMENT SPONSORS:
Gallagher Construction Services
M&T BANK
Spring Scaffolding
PLATINUM SPONSORS:
D & N Services, Inc.
Extech Building Materials
Sika Corporation
GOLD SPONSORS:
Adler Windows
RKL Building of Hohmann & Barnard
SilverStone Sheet Metal
Tristate-Safety Corp.
REGISTRATION DESK SPONSORS:
Sullivan Engineering
Materetsky Financial Group
HOLE-IN-ONE SPONSORS:
Bayside Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Integrity Scaffold Service Group
Park Avenue Building & Roofing Supplies LLC
CLOSEST TO THE PIN SPONSOR:
Sullivan Engineering LLC
LONGEST PUTT SPONSOR:
Garvin Brown
LONGEST DRIVE SPONSOR:
Liberty Window Group, Inc.
BREAKFAST SPONSOR:
Integrity Scaffold Service Group
LUNCH SPONSOR:
SilverStone Sheet Metal
BEVERAGE CART SPONSORS:
Accura Restoration
DNA Contracting
CGI Northeast
COCKTAILS SPONSORS:
Lawless + Mangione, Architects and Engineers, LLP
Liberty Window Group, Inc.
Litsco
Materetsky Financial Group
S&S Manufacturing
Vestacast
DINNER BUFFET SPONSORS:
Barami Construction
Clarke Engineering
Kenseal Construction Products
L&J Structures
Lawless + Mangione, Architects and Engineers, LLP
Materetsky Financial Group
FOURSOME SPONSORS:
Accura Restoration
AE Design Solution Inc.
CANY Architecture & Engineering D.P.C.
CGI Northeast
DeWalt
DNA Contracting
Flushing Bank
GCP Applied Technologies
Kemper System America Inc.
Koenigsberg Engineering, P.C.
MAPEI Corp
Matempa Corp./ Reed Drive Construction
New Castle Building Products
RAND Engineering & Architecture, DPC
Siplast
Site Safety, LLC
Skyline Scaffolding Group Inc
Soprema Inc.
SPEC MIX/PPCO
Sullivan Engineering
Tepedino & Company LLC
The Acheson Group Inc. & FNA
The J Companies
York Studios
TEE BOX SPONSORS:
Ace Apparel
Airseal Insulation Systems
Cassone Leasing Inc.
Flushing Bank
Siplast
Site Safety, LLC
Total Fire Protection Inc.
Von Rohr Equipment
SPONSORS:
Apex
Barami Construction
Belden Tri-State Building Material Inc
Clarke Engineering
Glen-Gery Corporation
L&J Structures
Vestacast
Waterproofing & Building Solutions
The Skyline Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization registered with the Federal government and within each State. Federal Tax ID #: 46-2141917
Photo: JT Magen & Company Inc. hoists the winning foursome trophy at the event's dinner and awards ceremony. (L-R): Steve Mallick, Chris DiBiaso, Bill Fusco, and Nick Parisi. Photo by: Evan Angelastro