New York Giant Justin Tuck Hosts Celebrity Billiards Tournament for Charity
On Monday, July 13, 2009, New York Giants and Super Bowl Champion defensive end Justin Tuck (pictured with RXR CEO Scott Rechler) hosted Tuck's Celebrity Billiards Tournament Presented by The Ritz-Carlton Residences, North Hills. This event was a star-studded extravaganza with athletes and entertainment celebrities including Vivica A. Fox, Kelly Rowland, NY Giants Sinorice Moss and Hakeem Nicks, and other VIPs registered in a highly competitive pool tournament, all to raise money for Justin Tuck's charity. The action took place at Slate NYC, one of the Big Apple's premier billiards clubs. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Law and Order star and comedian Anthony Anderson.
With gracious support from title sponsor The Ritz-Carlton Residences, North Hills and premium sponsor SUBWAY® restaurants, Tuck's Celebrity Billiards hosted 32 teams of two competing in a "win or go home" format until the final "best of three" round. The winning team received not only tournament bragging rights, but also a Grand Prize Package that includes a four night stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Colorado and the Ritz-Carltons in Palm Beach and South Beach. The Billiards Congress of America was on hand to oversee each match and Jeannette "The Black Widow" Lee, world renowned billiards champion, was also in attendance to offer her expertise to the tournament players and guests.
The funds raised by Tuck's Celebrity Billiards 2009 will benefit Tuck's R.U.S.H. for Literacy. Tuck's R.U.S.H. for Literacy is a charitable initiative that Justin and wife Lauran founded in 2008. The mission is to encourage children to READ, UNDERSTAND, SUCCEED and HOPE and embrace literacy throughout their lives.
Through their efforts, Tuck's R.U.S.H. for Literacy strives to educate and empower children in New York and Central Alabama by providing them with new, age-appropriate books and reading materials.
Last year, Tuck's R.U.S.H. for Literacy held its first "Sack Challenge," where supporters donated $1000 for every sack that Tuck made during the 2008 NFL season. As a result of Tuck's extraordinary play, the organization raised $100,000. The success of the Sack Challenge prompted him to host a Billiards Tournament.
"Tuck's R.U.S.H. for Literacy is my passion, and I'm inspired to keep finding ways to champion this cause," said Tuck. "A fun, competitive summer event will be the perfect atmosphere for our supporters to have a great time, while raising money for our charity."
The inaugural Tuck's Celebrity Billiards was produced by top marketing and event production company The Sandbox Inc., who has been creating signature celebrity pool tournaments since 2003. Over the last six years, their tournaments have attracted superstar participants including, Michael Jordan, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Alonzo Mourning, Shaquille O'Neal, Julius Erving, Denzel Washington, Jay-Z, Tony Parker and Eva Longoria Parker, Alicia Keys, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Ludacris, Reggie Bush, Kim Kardashian and many more.
About Justin Tuck and Tuck's R.U.S.H. for Literacy
This program aspires to encourage children to READ, UNDERSTAND, SUCCEED, and HOPE as they continue to nurture literacy in their lives. Founded by Justin and Lauran Tuck, this initiative is committed to raising funds to donate books and other reading materials to enrich youth in the New York and Central Alabama communities. Justin Tuck is an NFL Pro Bowl and All-Pro defensive end who was drafted by the New York Giants in 2005. He recorded a career best 12 sacks last season and his dominant play in Super Bowl XLII helped lead the Giants to victory against the New England Patriots. For more information, please visit www.justintuck.com.
About Ritz-Carlton Residences, North Hills
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, North Hills, situated on Long Island's famed Gold Coast, 20 miles from Manhattan, offer the exclusivity and privacy of a luxurious gated community with the only five-star lifestyle on the North Shore. Managed by the world-famous Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, the sprawling residences feature the legendary services of the world-renowned hotel company coupled with an expansive Clubhouse with private spa and fitness center, wine tasting lounge, club room, private events room, theater, card rooms, business center, and indoor and outdoor swimming pool. The 244 condominiums range in price from $1.5 million to over $4 million. For more information, please call (516) 486-6100 or visit www.theresidencesnorthhills.com.
