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Celebrity Golf & Tennis Tournament Feeds 1.5 Million New Yorkers, Raises Record Funds for city Harvest
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City Harvest’s sixth annual Celebrity Chefs & Friends Golf and Tennis Tournament surpassed expectations, raising enough funds to provide 1.5 million meals to New yorkers facing food insecurity. The event, held at Montclair Golf Club in West Orange, New Jersey, combined friendly competition with a vibrant food and wine festival atmosphere, all in support of a critical cause.
City Harvest’s Expanding Impact on Food Rescue
City Harvest, New York’s leading food rescue institution, is dedicated to alleviating hunger across the five boroughs. This year, the organization anticipates rescuing over 86 million pounds of nutritious food that would or else be wasted, delivering it at no cost to hundreds of soup kitchens and food partners. As a representative from City Harvest explained during the event’s tasting reception, the tournament is a vital component of their ongoing efforts.
A Star-Studded Event for a Worthy Cause
The tournament drew a diverse group of celebrities eager to support City Harvest’s mission. Among those participating were National Baseball Hall of Famer CC Sabathia, Super Bowl champion Justin Tuck, former MLB All-Star Chris Young, and hip-hop artist Ja Rule.
Golfing legend Annika Sörenstam, widely considered the greatest female golfer of all time, hosted the event, flying in from Orlando to lead a pre-tournament clinic. Sörenstam remarked that she had never experienced a charity golf event quite like this one. “I’ve been to a lot of golf events where they’ve had food stations, but nothing like this,” she told FOX Business.”This is like a food and wine festival, and you have it on a golf course. It’s top notch and it’s so fun. I love golf and I love food and it’s all coming together in one place. And obviously we’re raising money for a good cause, which I feel like is a win-win.”
Tennis icon Patrick McEnroe also joined the festivities, engaging with players and fans on the tennis courts.
Building on Past Success
Building on the success of the 2024 tournament, which generated enough funds for 1.2 million meals, this year’s event significantly increased its impact.The funds raised will directly translate into providing essential nourishment for individuals and families in need throughout New York City.
Beyond Food Rescue: Strengthening the Community
City Harvest’s commitment extends beyond simply providing food. The organization actively works to strengthen its network of agency partners and bolster the local food system through advocacy, volunteer opportunities, nutrition education, and culinary training programs.Sörenstam emphasized the collective spirit of the event,stating,”Everybody has big hearts that are here. They have a passion for cooking, they enjoy the golf and tennis and putting everybody together. Ultimately, it’s making a difference in so many people’s lives.”
Sörenstam added,”I feel blessed to play a sport where we can give back and be able to make a difference in the community.”
[Image of Herb Karlitz,Annika Sörenstam,kwame Onwuachi,and CC Sabathia at Montclair Golf Club during the tournament.](Eric Vitale Photography)
[Image of Chefs during the City Harvest tasting reception.](City Harvest / Fox News)
[Image of City Harvest’s Celebrity Chefs & Friends Golf and Tennis Tournament raising funds to feed New Yorkers.](Eric Vitale Photography)
