Guiding Eyes for the Blind Hosts Spring Tee-Off with Eli Manning

Guiding Eyes for the Blind recently welcomed the return of New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning at the Spring Tee-Off for their 37th annual Guiding Eyes for the Blind Golf Classic. The sponsor recognition party was held at Mulino’s of Westchester in White Plains.  

Joined by Guiding Eyes puppies, staff, and supporters, Eli Manning was in high spirits as he mingled with the crowd and expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming Classic. Returning for his eighth year as host, Eli was introduced to Guiding Eyes’ Golf Classic through family friend and Corcoran Cup champion Patrick W. Browne, Jr.

“Each year that I host the Golf Classic I’m reminded of how many people Guiding Eyes is helping to live their lives to the fullest,” said Manning. “For people without sight, teaming up with a Guiding Eyes dog can change their lives. Not only do these dogs provide independence to people who are blind and visually impaired, they also assist children with autism. I’ve been told the Heeling Autism program has just placed its fifty-fifth dog within a family. I feel privileged play a part in this organization, and I’m regularly inspired to do more.”

For the seventh consecutive year, Mulino’s of Westchester generously donated their facility and hospitality for the Tee-Off. With a spotless reputation for its outstanding food, warm atmosphere, and exceptional service, Mulino’s has been continually voted among the best Italian restaurants in Westchester County.

Guiding Eyes will hold its Golf Classic on June 9, 2014 at Mount Kisco Country Club in Mount Kisco, NY and Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, CT – two of the region’s most esteemed courses. The field will include golfers hosted by Diamond Sponsors Entergy and Gatorade. Guiding Eyes anticipates the Classic will raise more than $700,000 for its programs and services.

"We’re extremely grateful for the support of our sponsors," shared Thomas Panek, Guiding Eyes’ president and CEO. "Our Golf Classic fundraiser truly makes a difference and allows people like me, who are blind, to have the freedom to achieve their goals in life."

Founded by PGA legend Ken Venturi in 1977, the Golf Classic has raised over $8 million for the nonprofit, which provides superbly trained guide and service dogs, free of charge, to men and women who are blind and visually impaired as well as to families with children with autism. Last year 288 golfers teed off, raising significant funds for the organization.

As part of the Classic, Guiding Eyes will also present the Corcoran Cup, the “Masters” of blind golf, on Sunday, June 8. Fourteen of the country's top blind golfers will vie for the coveted trophy, each with the help of a coach who aids in club selection, alignment, setup and distances. On Monday, blind golfers will challenge their sighted counterparts to experience golf as a visually impaired person by inviting them to take a shot at hitting the ball blindfolded.

Guiding Eyes’ online auction, which goes live on June 2, includes everything from signed sports memorabilia to exotic vacations and exclusive experiences. Items can be viewed atwww.biddingforgood.com/guidingeyes.

In addition, Guiding Eyes will raffle a new 2014 Lexus IS 250 and Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust watch. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold at $100 each. Tickets can be purchased online at www.guidingeyes.org/raffle or by calling 914.761.7111. The Lexus is sponsored in part by Lexus Mt. Kisco. Watch provided by Rolex.

Hole sponsorships are also still available. Spectators are welcome at the Corcoran Cup; registration is required for gallery seating. For more information on the Golf Classic, contact Tricia McTernan at (914) 761-7111 or tricia@hrginc.net.   

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.