Coach Tom Coughlin is not only a great football coach, he is an exceptional human being with a big heart. On Oct. 2, 2015, on a very wet evening in New York City, 27 current members of the New York Giants, along with dozens of former players, coaches and team executives joined Coughlin at Cipriani's 42nd Street to support families who are battling childhood cancer at Coughlin's annual Champions for Children Gala.
The evening was an incredible success, and thanks to the generosity of the many attendees, the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation -- Coach Coughlin's charitable organization which helps families financially, emotionally and in practical ways when a child is diagnosed with cancer -- reached its goal of raising $1.5 million to help ensure that the work of the Foundation will continue for years to come.
The star-studded list of NFL players in attendance included Eli Manning, Odell Beckham, Jr., Mark Herzlich, Brad Wing, and Markus Kuhn. Additionally, General Raymond Odierno, retired, U.S. Army was on hand to introduce a tribute video about Mara family matriarch, Ann Mara, and Bruce Beck, of WNBC, graciously served as the Master of Ceremonies.
During closed remarks to the media, Coughlin noted, "Childhood Cancer is expensive. A recent study out of Boston, found that one-quarter of families surveyed lost more than 40 percent of household income after a diagnosis."
Party goers had opportunities to bid on autographed sports memorabilia during a silent auction that featured signed helmets, footballs, jerseys, and so much more. During a live auction, attendees bid on once in a lifetime opportunities, including on entitled, "Be Part of the Team" -- which allowed for the winner and his or her guest to travel on the NY Giants chartered airplane with the team to one of the NY Giants away games this season.
Additionally, the foundation honored to NYC businessmen, Visa Inc. CEO Charles Scharf and BTIG,LLC Co-Founder Steven Starker -- for their contributions, support, and advocacy on behalf of pediatric cancer.
Coughlin closed the night by saying, "We just wrapped up Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, but for families battling this devastating disease, every day is cancer awareness. They are the reason we are here this evening: to BE THERE for them and I thank you for your support."
To learn more about the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation, visit www.tcjayfund.org
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