EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Giants' annual golf outing to benefit the Giants Foundation continues to get bigger and better.
The 16th annual outing was presented by Toyota and held Tuesday at the Canoe Brook Country Club in Summit, N.J. More than $400,000 was raised for the foundation: approximately $300,000 through sponsorships and in excess of $100,000 via the silent and live auctions.
The Giants Foundation acts as a network for financial and social support for disadvantaged youth and their families throughout the greater metropolitan area. All grant recipients must be 501 (c) 3 charitable organizations involved in areas such as education, health, youth-related services or civic affairs.
In addition to raising money for a terrific cause, almost 300 golfers had a great time on the course, where the fivesomes played a scramble.
The team with the low gross score of 14 under par 58 was turned in by the Giant Glass team, which was led by punter Jeff Feagles and included Dennis Drinkwater, Jim Holbrouke, Lance Kramer and Larry Michaud. The second-place group consisted of former Giants tight end Bob Tucker, Gregg Ferguson, Bob Gulmi, Anthony Lombardi and Bob Mattessich. The third-place team included Giants center Shaun O'Hara, Todd Christie, Don Himpele, Bob Moseman and Brian Toolan. In fourth place was former Giants cornerback Phillippi Sparks – whose daughter, Jordin, was the winner of this year's American Idol – Jerry Sweeney, Pat Collins, Steve Joyce and Dick Wooster.
Linebacker Chase Blackburn headed the team with the low net score at 23-under par 49. His group included Carmine Ciallella, Val Della Pella, Frank Criscola and Nelson Ferreria. The second place team included Kevin Fitzgerald, Britt Hamblin, Jason McLane, Randy Wojcik and Chad Gottesman. Guard David Diehl anchored the third place team, which included John Downing, Kevin McCooey, Michael McCooey and Artie Schwabe. Super Bowl XXV MVP Ottis Anderson led the fourth place group. He was teamed with Leonard Carella, Otto Chan, Bob Humiston and Kevin Zavaglia.
The longest drives were hit by Feagles and Tony Lombardi. The prizes for the straightest drives went to John Goffredo and Rob Santangelo.
The nine closest-to-the-pin winners had an opportunity to participate in a putting contest. They first putted from 30 feet. The winner was Don Johnston, who then got a chance try a 50-foot putt for $10,000 – half of which he pledged to the Giants Foundation. However, he missed cashing in by 18 inches.
