32 teams face off at benefit event in Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall, draws 50,000 spectators throughout the day
NEW YORK, NY – February 6, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — Thirty-two teams of Wall Street titans clashed today in an epic table tennis battle to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City at the Fourth Annual Tournament of Champions Pong in Grand Central Terminal.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC (BBBS of NYC), the nation’s oldest and largest youth mentoring organization, teamed up with The J.P. Morgan Tournament of Champions, the USA’s premier professional squash tournament, to present “ToC Pong.” The team tournament – part of National Mentoring Month – raises money to support BBBS of NYC volunteer mentoring programs, which serve young people throughout the five boroughs who are in need of caring adult role models.
“It’s very gratifying to see some of the biggest names in the hedge fund and finance world take time from their busy schedules and support this event, Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC, and its mission to serve the many children who could benefit from a mentor all around New York City,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC board member and event founder Andrew Lipman. “This exciting tournament is a wonderful way to conclude National Mentoring Month, and we are grateful for the support of our returning and new corporate partners whose participation means so much for this organization.”
Participating teams from a wide range of hedge funds and financial organizations faced off on professional ping-pong tables inside the all-glass squash show court in Vanderbilt Hall. A master of ceremonies and an expert referee oversaw the tournament as the teams battled it out for the title of Table Tennis Kings or Queens.
“Tournament of Champions Pong is an invaluable source of funding for our mentoring programs, which are such an important and positive influence in the lives of young people,” said Hector Batista, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC. “Our Littles see improvements in their school attendance, grades and self-esteem, and it is imperative that we keep these programs funded.”
Every participating team helps Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City make a critical investment in the futures of at-risk children. Every $2,000 raised provides a Big-Little mentoring match with the financial support it needs for one year. To date, ToC Pong has raised more than $200,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC.
The ToC Pong took place from noon to 6:00 pm. Awards were presented at 6:30pm, just prior to the Tournament of Champions Squash final. This year’s Tournament of Champions drew nearly 50,000 spectators throughout the day, including 5,000 reserved audience seats, casual passersby and additional Grand Central foot traffic.
The 2012 Tournament of Champions Pong was sponsored by Crain’s New York Business, Gilt City, Morton’s the Steakhouse, Puma and SPiN Social.
For more information on ToC Pong, Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC, or becoming a volunteer mentor, go to www.bigsnyc.org.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City
Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC (BBBS of NYC), the nation’s oldest and largest youth mentoring organization, has served the changing needs of New York City’s most at-risk youth since 1904. The volunteer- and donor-based organization offers a variety of specialized mentoring programs to help children facing more complex challenges – including immigrant youth, teen mothers and children of incarcerated parents – as well as the Workplace Mentoring Program, which helps businesses throughout New York City positively impact the lives of young people and build a foundation for professional success. Additionally, since 1992 BBBS of NYC has worked through its Center for Training and Professional Development to equip non-profit professionals throughout New York City to develop and enhance their own mentor-based programs and organizations.
Through the support of individuals, foundations and corporations, this not-for-profit agency has been able to change the lives of the city’s most disadvantaged children, matching them with caring adult role models – dependable friends who can help to expand their horizons, realize their potential and enrich their futures. To learn more, become a mentor and/or offer support, please visit www.bigsnyc.org.
Media Contact:
Tom Corsillo
The Marino Organization
212.889.0808 ext. 108
tom (at) themarino (dot) org
