Skyline's 16th Annual Charitable Golf Classic raises over $300K, supporting a range of vital community programs and services
Skyline Restoration’s 16th annual Charitable Golf Classic, held on June 24, 2024, at the Old Westbury Golf and Country Club, was a resounding success from beginning to end.
“Everyone was in high spirits from the morning’s longest putt competition to the final raffle draw in the evening,” said Shana McCormick, Executive Director of The Skyline Charitable Foundation (TSCF). She was thrilled to see familiar faces and welcome new donors and charities to the tournament.
The sponsors, both long-time supporters and newcomers, were as generous as ever. McCormick noted, “The 2020s have been incredible for us! Donations keep rising, even with increasing costs. For the past two years, we’ve exceeded $300K each time, a milestone we never reached before!”
Networking remains a significant attraction. “It’s a time for sharing resources,” McCormick said, highlighting the diverse mix of contractors, subcontractors, insurance and real estate brokers, architects, engineers, and representatives from government and social service organizations who value the rare one-on-one interactions.
Shana McCormick, Executive Director, The Skyline Charitable Foundation.
The Charities
RAP4Bronx (Relief Access Program for the Bronx), a key beneficiary for the past four years, was the first direct service program funded by TSCF. Launched in April 2020 during the pandemic, it started by providing emergency food access and has grown into an organization promoting food equity for communities facing food insecurity. With support from partners like City Harvest and Rethink Food, local government funding, corporations, and events like the Annual Golf Classic, the mobile pantry offers healthy, nutrient-dense choices to those in need.
“Consistency is key,” said McCormick. “Healthy, nutritious fruits and vegetables are often the first items cut from tight budgets. We provide free and low-cost options, including locally grown produce and ‘rescued’ food that would otherwise end up in a landfill.”
Thanks to grants from the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets, TSCF has expanded beyond the Bronx to assist Queens and Brooklyn with two new food equity programs.
Harvesting Health Markets
Launched in 2023, Harvesting Health Markets are free farmers markets and wellness fairs aimed at increasing access to nutrient-dense foods and nutrition education resources. The program offers free or low-cost items and educates community members on healthier choices with innovative recipes featuring novel ingredients. It fosters a sense of community by directly connecting residents with local food sources.
Feed TriBoro
Started this year, Feed TriBoro is a wholesale and transportation network supporting underserved New York State producers by connecting them to the New York City market. TSCF buys produce in bulk from farmers and distributes it at no charge to communities in the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn. The program aims to create a just and equitable supply chain, linking locally grown foods to commercial, nonprofit entities, and distressed communities in the City. The goal is to elevate Feed TriBoro through extensive outreach, engagement, and strategic planning.
The Chordoma Foundation has been a significant beneficiary of the Golf Classic in recent years. The late Vasilios (Bill) Pierrakeas, a founder of Skyline Restoration, became a great champion of the foundation after his diagnosis with the rare cancer. The Foundation helped him find the best care, and he was eager to "pay it forward."
“Bill was very humble and selfless,” said Kenny J. Brighton, head of philanthropy for the Chordoma Foundation. “He wanted to use his knowledge to help others in the chordoma community.” This year, the event hosted its first-ever Putt for Pierrakeas, with all proceeds going to The Chordoma Foundation.
Christine Crowther, Executive Director, The New York Center for Children.
The New York Center for Children
A long-time beneficiary, The New York Center for Children provides bilingual, trauma-focused evaluation and therapy services to child abuse victims in New York City at no charge. “We are very grateful to be included as a beneficiary,” said Executive Director Christine Crowther. “Our partnership with TSCF for almost 10 years is crucial. The event raises awareness and essential support for our services to help children heal from abuse and thrive.”
A first-time beneficiary, ALS Watchdawgs is a nonprofit started by six firefighters to support members afflicted by ALS. Executive Director Joe Farinacci noted that firefighters are twice as likely to suffer from ALS. The organization aims to change legislation, launch a national conversation, and cover costs not met by insurance. “We greatly appreciate what TSCF has done for our recipients. We need to ensure the medical system recognizes this job-related affliction so first responders and their families are protected for life,” said Farinacci.
Additional beneficiaries include:
VFW Post 1819 of Port Washington: Supports veterans who served in foreign wars and provides a resource and inclusive community for veterans of all ages.
Joe Farinacci, Executive Director, ALS Watchdawgs.
Members of the VFW Post 1819 of Port Washington have been presenting the flag at the opening ceremony of the golf outing for over a decade.
Happy Watoto: Aids children in Tanzania.
Hope for the Warriors: Supports combat-wounded service members from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, their families, and families of those killed in action.
“It all comes full circle,” McCormick said. “We network, we partner, we support each other.”
The winning foursome: Rick Chou, Michael Goldfarb, Steve Materetsky, Phil Bellomo.