Event Recap: Big Daddy Celebrity Golf Classic for St. Jude

The Big Daddy Celebrity Golf Classic was a remarkable event held to support the New York chapter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Rich 'Big Daddy' Salgado, known for his extensive network, orchestrated this charity golf tournament to gather household names and raise funds and awareness for the vital work of St. Jude in supporting children battling severe illnesses. The event, which took place at the scenic Cold Spring Country Club in Huntington, NY, brought together celebrities, athletes, and generous donors for a day of golfing, dining, and giving.

Working alongside the St. Jude team brought a unique sense of purpose to our efforts. Their dedication and passion for their mission were palpable, and it was an honor to witness firsthand the commitment they have to the children and families they serve. The stories of triumph and resilience shared by St. Jude representatives were truly inspiring and reinforced the importance of our collaboration. Each moment spent with the St. Jude team underscored the profound impact that this organization has on countless lives. Partnering with them allowed us to see the tangible results of their work, from groundbreaking research to providing comprehensive care for children battling severe illnesses. We were moved by the energy and enthusiasm of the team and found it deeply motivating as we worked together to make the event a success.

The evening before the golf classic and gala, attendees gathered at the historic Oheka Castle in Huntington, NY, for a sumptuous dinner that set the tone for the upcoming event. The castle's opulent setting offered a luxurious atmosphere where guests could relax and enjoy each other's company. Amidst the elegant surroundings, attendees engaged in lively conversations and formed meaningful connections, all while focusing on the philanthropic mission at hand. This pre-event dinner provided an invaluable opportunity for participants to share their excitement and passion for supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

The main event took place on the lush grounds of Cold Spring Country Club, where participants enjoyed a day of golf alongside famous names. Notable celebrities, including Tracy Morgan, Mike Tannenbaum, and Sean Jones, joined the festivities. The tournament featured various sponsorship packages making it accessible to a wide range of donors and supporters to maximize participation and fundraising efforts. Our CEO, Will Bruner, and our CFO, Ed Jacobs had the pleasure of participating in the golf classic and attending the gala as donor attendees.

A standout feature of the event was the custom photo area designed for guests. This setup provided a unique opportunity for attendees to take photos with celebrities and athletes as they arrived at the country club. The area was meticulously planned to ensure that guests had a seamless and enjoyable experience. Attendees were excited to capture moments with the star-studded supporters of St. Jude. The Big Daddy Golf Classic has a history of including Hollywood actors like Michael Rooker, among others, who have been present to support the event in the past. The photo area not only served as a fun activity but also as a special keepsake for participants to remember their involvement in supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. It also provided a branding opportunity for sponsors of the event, providing value and incentive for additional sponsorships. The smiles and laughter captured in these photos reflected the overall spirit of the day, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

The closing gala was an elegant affair that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the day's charitable activities. Guests enjoyed a lavish cocktail hour, complete with a charity silent auction that featured an impressive collection of art pieces and signed athletic memorabilia. This auction drew significant interest and enthusiasm, with proceeds benefitting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The evening was further elevated by exceptional musical entertainment, with DJ Skribble energizing the crowd and a 20-piece band led by Michael Martocci delivering captivating performances. NEC had the honor of assisting in the success of these performances by providing staging, audio, video, and lighting equipment. It was a pleasure to work with DJ Skribble, Michael Martocci, and the rest of the band.

The ambiance of the gala was both festive and philanthropic, as attendees mingled, enjoyed fine dining, and participated in paddle raise fundraising. The auctioneer's enthusiasm and the stories shared by representatives from St. Jude motivated guests to give generously. The live updates on donation progress created an exciting and interactive experience, highlighting the collective effort to support a noble cause. The paddle raise not only generated substantial funds but also highlighted the deep connection and shared commitment among the attendees. Each donation, regardless of size, was a step towards making a tangible difference in the lives of children battling severe illnesses. The energy in the room was infectious, with each raised paddle symbolizing hope and support for St. Jude's mission. The overwhelming participation showcased the community's dedication to helping children and families in need.

Tyler is a cancer survivor and St. Jude alumni who was honored as a VIP guest at the gala. He brought feeling of kindness hope to the event, and his speech was undoubtedly the most touching moment of the evening. Tyler took the stage to share his personal journey, shedding light on the profound impact St. Jude had on his life. His experience of overcoming immense challenges with the support of St. Jude resonated deeply with the audience. Tyler's heartfelt words brought tears to many eyes as he expressed gratitude for the care and compassion he received. He spoke about the hope and strength St. Jude provided him and how it not only saved his life but also gave him a future to look forward to. His story served as a powerful reminder of the importance of the evening's fundraising efforts and the tangible difference each donation makes. Tyler's bravery and resilience left a lasting mark on everyone, highlighting the true spirit of the event and the critical mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The Big Daddy Celebrity Golf Classic for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital was an incredible event that truly highlighted the power of community and generosity. The day brought together a diverse group of individuals united by a common purpose: to support the lifesaving work of St. Jude. From the picturesque golf course to the elegant gala, each element of the event was thoughtfully planned and executed to maximize enjoyment and fundraising.

We are incredibly proud of the collaborative spirit that made this event such a success. The participation of celebrities, athletes, donors, and the local New York community alike created an unforgettable atmosphere of camaraderie and giving. Each contribution, whether through playing golf, bidding in the silent auction, or participating in the paddle raise, made a significant impact.

The heartfelt stories shared by representatives from St. Jude and the inspiring speech by Tyler underscored the importance of our collective efforts. These moments served as powerful reminders of why we gather and donate—to support an organization that provides hope and healing to children and families facing unimaginable challenges.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Rich 'Big Daddy' Salgado for his vision and leadership in organizing this event. Additionally, our thanks go out to all the volunteers, sponsors, and participants whose dedication and generosity were instrumental in making the day a resounding success.

As we reflect on the positive outcomes of the Big Daddy Celebrity Golf Classic, we are filled with optimism for future events. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of children in need and support the incredible mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment.