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The “20th Annual” was an important milestone for the Cox Classic, and it was greeted with the typically generous outpouring from supporters--both new and old--all to the benefit of LIFE (LPGA Players in the Fight to Eradicate Breast Cancer) and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The Classic moved to New Jersey National Golf Club in 2009, thanks to the gracious backing of Club Max, (part of Empire Golf Management and owner of New Jersey National), a new “Friend of Steve,” which assumed the “title sponsor” role. The longest running corporate partner of the Cox Classic, The Hibbert Group, took on the “presenting sponsor” role, and it was through the generosity of these two companies that the Classic was able to net essentially the same purse as in 2008, but with only one golf course and some 80 fewer golfers (a total field of 136 players participated). Joining our title and presenting sponsors in sponsorship of the 20th Annual were Asurion, The Christie Family Foundation, Celgene Corporation, CBS, ICON International, RR Donnelley, Direct Group, Atlantic City Electric, Ferriero Engineering, Inc, VXI Global Solutions, Inc., MPG, WPLJ, along with marketing partners Twill Printing, Studio 775, Mastro Communications, Sports Illustrated, OSB Consulting, Continental Airlines, the Baseball Hall of Fame, Yogi Berra Museum, Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, Sheraton Eatontown, Carl M. Freeman Companies, and Tee Time Golf Pass. The website for the 20th Annual featured “I remember…”, a channel for Friends of Steve to share their favorite memories of Cox Classics' past, and “20 Years, 20 Questions,” a Classic trivia challenge whose winner was awarded two complimentary foursomes at any two Club Max facilities (the winner, Rich Szigety!). The ladies of LPGA had their typically gracious presence, headed by the great Val Skinner and featuring Classic fave Rachel Hetherington and new comers Christina Kim and Beth Bader. The keynote addresses provided three different perspectives on breast cancer: a journalist (Kathleen O'Brien, breast cancer survivor and feature columnist of the Star-Ledger), a doctor (Deborah Toppmeyer, Director of the LIFE Center), and a young mother (Jodi Inverso, also a breast cancer survivor). Henry Cox, father of the tournament's namesake, introduced Bill Donlin, one of the “original eight” from the first Cox Classic, who provided the annual toast to Steve Cox. This year's live auction prize was 4 tickets to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue launch party in Las Vegas (including airfare and hotel), which netted $3,000 for the charity. As for golf winners, it was a family affair, with the top honors going to the Marion, Marion, Marion, Marion and Marion group (brothers Bill, Rich, John, and cousins Matt and Steve).
The 19th Annual marked the return of the Cox Classic to Fiddler's Elbow (after a one-year hiatus) and a doubling of the net proceeds to charity, with more than $70,000 raised for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and LPGA Pros in the Fight to Eradicate Breast Cancer; 215 golfers-including 36 corporate sponsors-joined title sponsor, MPG, on the newly redesigned River and Meadow Courses; this year's gift bag and golf towel were donated by ForeFront Group, which also provided Ryder Cup souvenir golf towels for the event's “Beat the Pro” winners; "Beat the Pro" and "Play with the Pro" holes were set up on both courses, featuring LPGA players Tracy Hanson, Rachel Hetherington, Angela Jerman, and Eva Dahllof (some 18 Cox Classic guests successfully “Beat the Pro”); the LPGA pros were also part of a pre-tourney morning clinic, hosted by LPGA great Val Skinner; 11-year-old Sean Dalgauer premiered as the event's early morning bagpiper; WPLJ in New York donated a range of prizes and airtime to run promotional spots, including Cox Classic messages recorded by Val Skinner; Henry Cox, father of the tournament's namesake, introduced Chuck Fugger-one of the “original eight” from the first Cox Classic and himself a cancer survivor-who provided the annual toast to Steve Cox at the reception; the reception also featured speaking roles by New York Time columnist, author, and cancer survivor, Dan Barry (whose book, “City Lights” was in the gift bag), Leah Heister of St. Jude, Val Skinner of LPGA Pros in the Fight to Eradicate Breast Cancer (and the Val Skinner Foundation), and Charlie Rutman, Chief Executive Officer of MPG.
The 18th Annual marked the beginning of the Cox Classic's new direction of returning to the event's roots--with a smaller, more intimate celebration; the "rebirth" raised $35,000 for new beneficiaries St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and LPGA Pros in the Fight to Eradicate Breast Cancer; 137 golfers--including 9 corporate sponsors joined title sponsor, MPG, and platinum sponsor, The Hibbert Group, on the West Course at Royce Brook Golf Club in Hillsborough, NJ; September 17; four "Beat the Pro" and "Play with the Pro" holes were set up on the course, hosted by LPGA players Charlotta Sorenstam, Rachel Hetherington, Angela Jerman, and Vicki Goetze-Ackerman; the LPGA pros were also part of a free morning clinic, hosted by LPGA great Val Skinner; the LPGA's participation also included a live auction donation of a trip to Las Vegas for a private clinic with Natalie Gulbis--with a winning bid of $5,000; USA Today returned with its Cox Classic promotional wrap and WPLJ in New York donated prizes and airtime to run promotional spots, including Cox Classic messages recorded by Nancy Lopez, Val Skinner, and Natalie Gulbis; Henry Cox, father of the tournament's namesake, provided the annual toast at the reception, with also featured speaking roles by Michelle Carey of St. Jude, Val Skinner of LPGA Pros in the Fight to Eradicate Breast Cancer, and Steve Lanzano, Chief Operating Officer of MPG.
Three-hundred-and-eighty golfers and some 450 participants in all for North Fork Bank's last year as title sponsor; this year's proceeds pushes the event over the $6 million dollar mark in total funds raised over the Classic's 17-year history; host courses: Fiddler's Elbow River, Meadow, Forest, and, in its inaugural association with the Classic, Hawk Pointe Golf Club in Washington, NJ; September 18; 70 corporate partners participate-the lowest total since 1996; special promotions from Seaview Resort & Spa, Softspikes, Chelsea Piers, and PrideSports are unveiled at the event; USA Today produces its fourth promotional wrap for the event; WFAN's Mike and the Mad Dog broadcast their show for the 9th time from the Cox Classic; Imus Teed Off Celebrity Challenge features Mike Lupica and Phil Simms in a decisive victory over Chris Russo and Joe Benigno in the two-hole shoot out, but the real highlight comes before the match when 12-year-old cancer survivor Jack Szigety hits a 140-yard drive right down the middle of the fairway in the “Ceremonial First Shot;” other celebrities present include Mike Breen, Ottis Anderson, John Bolaris, Gerry Cooney, Val Skinner, Bart Oates, Karl Nelson, and Ken Daneyko; during the ballroom reception, the aforementioned Jack Szigety receives the Cox Classic “Hero's Award” from fellow cancer survivor and Cox Classic veteran, Chris Fallon; young Jack also addressed the crowded ballroom and received a standing ovation, just as he did when he spoke at the 16th Annual.
Five-hundred plus golfers and more than 600 participants for the inaugural event of new title sponsor North Fork Bank; the Classic reaches the $5.5 million mark in total funds raised in its 16-year history; host courses: Fiddler's Elbow, New Jersey National, and--for the first time--Basking Ridge Country Club; September 19; some 100 corporate partners participate, including Mercedes-Benz Tri-State Dealers which
donates an R-Class Grand Sports Tourer for the event's "Hottest Ticket in Town" raffle that nets $120,000 for the charities; USA Today produced its third four-page promotional wrap for the event; long-time Cox Classic supporters, Jim Nantz and Phil Simms--CBS's lead NFL broadcast team--serve as honorary co-chairs; Rudy Giuliani makes his third Cox Classic appearance; for the eighth time, WFAN's Mike and the Mad Dog program broadcasts live from the event, including shot-by-shot coverage of the Imus Teed Off Celebrity Challenge; the eighth Imus Teed Off Celebrity Challenge features Phil Simms, Jim Nantz, Kelly Tripucka, Karl Nelson, Jimmy Roberts, Mike Breen, Ron Insana, Ken Daneyko, Val Skinner, Mike, Francesa, Chris Russo, Kathleen Melli, and Don Imus; Reception Program includes remarks by Phil Simms, Jim Nantz, Jimmy Roberts, North Fork Bank chairman John Kanas, and charity beneficiaries Jack Szigety and Laura Crandall; silent and live auctions--with Trump Golf auctioneers Ashley Cooper and Carolyn "The Apprentice" Kepcher--net $16,800.
720 golfers and over 800 participants in all; Event reaches the
$5 million mark in total funds raised in its 15-year history; Fiddler's
Elbow, Royce Brook, New Jersey National, Stanton Ridge; September
20; 120 corporate sponsors, including Mercedes-Benz Tri-State Dealers
which donates a CLK 320 coupe for a special “Drive for 5” raffle that nets over $100,000 for the charities; USA Today produces
a 4-page wrap promoting the event; Donald Trump, Chairman, President
and CEO of Trump Hotels and Casino Resorts, and Mark Messier, NHL
legend, are honorary chairs; WFAN's Mike and the Mad Dog program
broadcasts live from the event, including shot-by-shot coverage
of Imus Teed Off Celebrity Challenge; Imus Teed Off Celebrity Challenge
features Phil Simms, Mark Messier, David Feherty, Mike Lupica, Kelly
Tripucka, Mike Francesa, Chris Russo, Ken Daneyko, Mike Breen, Carl
Banks, Bruce Beck, and Fred Hickman, and raises $62,500; Keynote
speaker: Deirdre Imus; special live auction with auctioneers David
Feherty, Joe Piscopo, and Sid Rosenberg, raises $16,000.
708
golfers; Fiddler's Elbow, Royce Brook Golf Club, New Jersey National;
September 22; 115 corporate sponsors; David Dorman, Chairman and
CEO of AT&T, and Rudy Giuliani, Chairman and CEO of Giuliani
Partners, are honorary chairs; WFAN's Mike and the Mad Dog program
returns to broadcast live from the event, including shot-by-shot
coverage of Imus Teed Off Challenge; Imus in the Morning program
also broadcasts from the event; Imus Teed Off Challenge features
Phil Simms, Mike Lupica, Suzy Whaley, Mark Messier, Mike Francesa,
Ken Daneyko, Mike Breen, Rudy Giuliani, Dave Dorman and Chris Russo
and raises $82,500; Keynote speakers: Dave Dorman and Rudy Giuliani.
624 golfers; Fiddler's Elbow, Stanton Ridge Golf & Country Club,
New Jersey National; September 23; 122 corporate sponsors; Betsy
Bernard, President and CEO of AT&T Consumer, is honorary chair;
WFAN's Mike and the Mad Dog program returns to broadcast live from
the event, including shot-by-shot coverage of Imus Teed Off Challenge;
Imus in the Morning program also broadcasts from the event (for
the first time); Imus Teed Off Challenge features Imus, Phil Simms,
Jim Nantz, Mike Lupica, Jack Welch, Mark Messier, Mike Francesa,
Mike Breen and Chris Russo and raises $50,000; Special flag print
(www.rememberalways.org), signed by Rudy Giuliani is auctioned on
Imus in the Morning and during the reception, and raises $21,000
for the Todd M. Beamer Foundation (another $9,300 is donated to
the Foundation from an AT&T CARES grant and the proceeds from silent
auction); USA Today produces 4 page AT&T Cox Classic themed "wrap"
that is distributed to guests at check in; Keynote speaker: Ron
Insana
550 golfers; Fiddler's Elbow, Stanton Ridge Golf & Country Club;
Somerset Hills is replaced by New Jersey National, Basking Ridge,
NJ; October 1; 111 corporate sponsors; Betsy Bernard, President
and CEO of AT&T Consumer, is honorary chair; event honors 4 New
York City firemen and AT&T contributes $90,000 to Widows and Children's
Funds of New York City Police and Fire Departments; Ralph Branca
and Bobby Thomson are honored on the 50th Anniversary of "Shot
Heard Around The World"; WFAN and Imus Teed Off Challenge suspend
participation in wake of 9/11 tragedy; Keynote speaker: George Martin;
550 golfers; Fiddler's Elbow, Stanton Ridge, Somerset Hills Golf
& Country Club; September 11; 112 corporate sponsors; John McCain,
Joe Torre, honorary co-chairs; WFAN's Mike and the Mad Dog program
broadcasts live from the event, including shot-by-shot coverage
of Imus Teed Off Challenge ; Ceremonial First Tee Shot of Imus Teed
Off Challenge is struck by Jack Patrick Lindsay III; Imus Teed Off
Challenge features Chris DiMarco, Jim Nantz, Mike Lupica, Chris
Russo, Jay Hill, Jeff Wilpon, Keith Falconer, Bob Housen, Bob Wischusen
and raises $82,000; Imus and Mike Francesa don't compete due to
injury; Chris Russo is named first MVP of Imus Teed Off Challenge;
Keynote speakers: Bill Russell and Hamilton Jordan
550 golfers; Fiddler's Elbow, Stanton Ridge Golf & Country Club,
Somerset Hills; September 27 ("10th Anniversary Celebration");
111 corporate sponsors; Gene Lockhart, Chief Marketing Officer,
AT&T, honorary chair; The Imus Ranch joins CJ Foundation for SIDS
and Tomorrows Children's Fund as beneficiary (AT&T also commits
$250,000 to sponsor the horse barn at the Imus Ranch); WFAN's Mike
and the Mad Dog program broadcasts live from the event, including
shot-by-shot coverage of Imus Teed Off Challenge; Ceremonial First
Tee Shot (of Imus Teed Off Challenge) is born, struck by Sergio
Garcia; Imus Teed Off Challenge features Jim Nantz, Phil Simms,
Mike Lupica, Bobby Murcer, Mike Breen, Mike Francesa and Chris Russo
and raises $75,000; Keynote speakers: Rick Reilly and Brian Williams
500 golfers; Fiddler's Elbow, Stanton Ridge Golf & Country Club,
and third facility is added: Somerset Hills Country Club, Bernardsville,
NJ; September 28; 100 corporate sponsors; Bill Bradley, former U.S.
Senator from the Garden State, and Richard A. Grasso, Chairman and
CEO of the New York Stock Exchange, serve as honorary co-chairs;
website (coxcharityclassic.com) was born; US News & World Report,
Time, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated donate space for first print
campaign; WFAN's Mike and the Mad Dog program broadcasts live from
the event, including shot-by-shot coverage of Imus Teed Off Challenge;
Imus Teed Off Challenge features Imus, Mike Breen, Mike Francesa
and Chris Russo and raises $70,000; Keynote speaker: Jeff Greenfield;
AT&T becomes title sponsor (AT&T Steven A. Cox Charity Classic);
432 golfers; Fiddler's Elbow and Stanton Ridge Golf & Country Club,
Whitehouse, NJ; September 22; 100 corporate sponsors; Imus Teed
Off Challenge is born, with Imus as the sole golfer; first honorary
chairs are named: Governor of New Jersey, Christie Todd Whitman,
and John Zeglis, Vice Chair of AT&T; Imus Teed Off Challenge raises
$103,000; WFAN's Mike and the Mad Dog program broadcasts live from
the event, including shot-by-shot coverage of Imus Teed Off Challenge
280 golfers; event moves to Fiddler's Elbow, Far Hills, NJ; October
7; 70 corporate sponsors; CJ Foundation for SIDS joins Tomorrows
Children's Fund as beneficiary
140 golfers; Knoll Country Club, Parsippany, NJ; October 3; 27 corporate
sponsors; first souvenir book is created
127 golfers; Crystal Springs Golf Club, Hamburg, NJ; October 3;
21 corporate sponsors; 75 prizes awarded; first celebrity appearance
at event: Pierre Larouche
49 golfers; Roxiticus Country Club; July 7; Three other corporate
sponsors join Golf Digest and Golf World: Young & Rubicam, NW Ayer,
Ogilvy and Mather Direct; Event name changes to Steven A. Cox Charity
Classic
29 golfers; Roxiticus Country Club; Event is held on May 29 (Steve's
birthday); Tomorrows Children's Fund is named as beneficiary
14 golfers; Roxiticus Country Club, Mendham, NJ, October 11; Golf
Digest and Golf World magazines host the event, torrential rain
suspends play; Event name changes to Steven A. Cox Invitational
8 golfers; Newton Country Club, Friday, September 21; Event Title:
Golf-A-Thon for Steve Cox
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