THE ANNUAL HAMPTON GOLF CLASSIC IV BENEFITS SUFFOLK COUNTY’S MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION®
HAMPTON HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, June 23rd
WORDS, IMAGES
Judith Ecochard
Known for its chi-chi celeb packed social scene, wide open beaches, and upscale residences and shops- the posh East End of Long Island (aka the Hamptons) is also populated by caring individuals who donate big bucks for worthy causes. This past week, we attended a fun fun fun benefit that raised substantial funds for one of our favorite 501(c)3-ers.
THE CHARITY: The Suffolk County, NY chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation®- grants wishes for children afflicted with “life threatening illness” according to Karine Hollander, President and CEO. In her seven-year stint in the top spot, Hollander is proud (and grateful too) that her chapter is able to enable 125 wishes a year. “We never turn down a wish…every medically eligible child has been granted one,” she notes. And there are no financial eligibility requirements either.
THE HOST: A gracious David Tyree-aka the Super Bowl Hero who made THE CATCH for the winning NY Giants –tirelessly posed, smiled, signed autographs and we assume, played a winning round of golf.
HONOREE: Neal Sroka, of Douglas Elliman Worldwide Consulting, LLC opened his heart and corralled his pals to open their checkbooks- resulting in an amazing “three wishes” granted to deserving kids. (Pic of N.Sroka (right) and fellow golfers)
WHO PLAYED: A sell-out gaggle of golf ready foursomes played a shot-gun format that started with a buffet breakfast …and finished with a “19th hole” open bar/buffet, awards ceremony-including free golf lessons for the worst score,
…and a silent auction- inside the spacious clubhouse and on the outdoor deck-now blessed with the sun’s rays- overlooking the course.
LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS: No one dropped out because of the on again, off again rain. And a few ladies played too.
THE VENUE: The absolutely flawless HAMPTON HILLS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB (County Road 51, Riverhead, NY 631 727-6862)… with an 18-hole beauty designed by Francis J. Duane ASGCA. The former Teamsters’ haunt (maybe literally, there’s even an impenetrable cement block story unearthed during the renovation process LOL), is now even more private-with a very limited membership and tip-top management team led by Stanley Pine.
Practice, Practice, Practice
And a round of applause goes to Zev Norotsky-the leading light of the Hamptons Golf Classic-who was ON IT the entire day.
ADDED PLUSES: Super friendly hostesses from the Hawaiian Tropic Zone Restaurant in midtown Manhattan ‘earned’ their breakfast (yes they eat!!!!!!) by selling raffle tickets on the 9th hole.
A moving speech by Katie, a charming teen and a Make-A-Wish receiver in 2003-on her dream jaunt to Paris that included front row seats to primo RTW Fashion extravaganza choreographed by John Galliano for Christian Dior!
SUMMARY: When asked how he shot, one jovial cigar-chomping participant wisely observed:
“It was a great day…no-one got hurt.”
PRINCIPAL SPONSORS: Hamptons Magazine, (The Soprano’s Lorraine) Bracco Wines, Mogaschoni, Zino Platinum Cigars, Douglas Elliman Worldwide Consulting LLC, Nike Golf, Steiner Sports, Champion Motor Group, Celebrity Service, Stella Artois, jewelers A. Harris, and Smartwater.