Guiding Eyes Golf Classic with NY Giants Quarterback Eli Manning Celebrates 37th Year

Guiding Eyes, the nonprofit known for its outstanding guide and service dogs, recently welcomed the return of NY Giants Quarterback Eli Manning as host of their 37th annual Guiding Eyes Golf Classic. More than 250 golfers teed off, raising significant funds for the organization. The sold-out event was held on Sunday, June 8 and Monday, June 9 at the Mount Kisco Country Club in Mount Kisco, NY and Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, CT.

Founded in 1977 by PGA legend Ken Venturi, the Golf Classic has raised over $8 million for the organization since its inception. As part of the Classic, Guiding Eyes also presented the Corcoran Cup, the “Masters” of blind golf. Twelve top U.S. Blind Golfers Association players from around the country vied for the coveted trophy. This year, Ron Derry was named Corcoran Cup champion. Tony Schiros took home the Cribari Trophy for his second place finish. Gatorade was the lead sponsor of the Corcoran Cup based on the company’s support of athletes of different abilities.

Now in his eighth consecutive year as host, Eli Manning was first introduced to Guiding Eyes’ Golf Classic through family friend and 24-time Corcoran Cup champion Patrick Browne, Jr. Pat taught Eli and his son, Patrick III, how to golf as boys. At this year’s outing, top blind golfer and Guiding Eyes graduate Dick Pomo and wife Sharon showed the star quarterback how to golf blind.

“I’ve learned so much about Guiding Eyes and have seen so much growth in the organization since first hosting the annual Golf Classic eight years ago,” said Manning. “Getting to be here each year and meeting firsthand the people whose lives are changed through Guiding Eyes and its dogs is incredibly rewarding. I’m proud to be involved through the Golf Classic and am looking forward to next year’s event.”

Guiding Eyes provides guide dogs, professional training, and follow-up support services to men and women who are blind and visually impaired at no cost, depending solely on contributions to fulfill its mission. Additionally, Guiding Eyes’ Heeling Autism Program places specially trained service dogs with children on the autism spectrum. “It’s amazing how much more people can accomplish because of these dogs. I feel honored to be part of this,” said Manning.

The 37th annual Guiding Eyes Golf Classic gained major support from the following individual and corporate sponsors:

Diamond Sponsors: Entergy, Gatorade

Platinum Sponsors: Canine Company, John Donnelly and South Eastern Farms / Safe Harbor Risk Management

Gold Sponsors: A. DeVito & Son, Bill Bradley, Empire BlueCross BlueShield, Hill's / Colgate and Skanska

Media Sponsor: Westfair Communications

Silver Sponsors: Aero Hardware, AFCO AvPORTS Management LLC, CBS Sports Sales, Citibank, Cum Laude Group, Empire Merchants, Friends from Vero Beach, Harriet and Bob Druskin, Ken Nilsen, Marilyn & Stanley Cohen Foundation, Paul Holland, Pepper Hamilton LLP and Freeh Group International Solutions, Rolex, The Stewart Family Foundation, Turner Broadcasting and Wilson & Son Jewelers 

Guiding Eyes for the Blind is located at 611 Granite Springs Road in Yorktown Heights, N.Y. They can be reached at 914.245.4024 or by visiting www.guidingeyes.org. For the latest news, please visit Guiding Eyes on Facebook www.facebook.com/guidingeyes and on Twitter www.twitter.com/guidingeyes.

About Guiding Eyes for the Blind: Guiding Eyes for the Blind is an internationally accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit guide dog school founded in 1954. Since its inception, Guiding Eyes has grown to be one of the foremost guide dog schools in the world, known for its cutting-edge training programs, commitment to excellence, and dedication to its elite and superbly trained guide dogs. In 2008, the school launched Heeling Autism, a service dog program designed to provide safety and companionship for children on the autism spectrum. Guiding Eyes provides all of its services at no cost, and is dependent upon contributions to fulfill its mission. The organization’s Headquarters and Training Center is located in Yorktown Heights, N.Y. and its Canine Development Center is in Patterson, N.Y. For more info, visit www.guidingeyes.org, like Guiding Eyes on Facebook (www.facebook.com/guidingeyes) or follow @guidingeyes on Twitter.