Printer-friendly version
By Nick Pellegrino
Photo courtesy Grossmont College
May 1, 2017 (Dehesa) - Brad Daluiso, the former National Football League kicker who spent the majority of an 11-year career with the New York Giants, added a wrinkle to his annual charity golf tournament, slated for Friday (May 5).
Always looking for a twist to interest area golfers, Daluiso is introducing a helicopter ball drop to highlight the event's 14th year, which benefits Grossmont College football. along with the general athletics fund for both the Griffins and district rival Cuyamaca College.
Near the close of the day-long event at the picturesque Sycuan Golf & Tennis Resort in Dehesa, about 2,000 golf balls purchased by donors are dropped from a helicopter hovering about 50 feet in the air. Prizes will be awarded to the golf balls dropped from the chopper, and landing closest to the pin including a trip to Cabo San Lucas at the southern tip of Baja California.
The selected hole is the No. 1 at the Willow Glen course, which has the most room to safely perform the ball drop. The closest ball receives round-trip airfare and four room-nights for two in an ocean-view deluxe room at the Hilton Los Cabos Beach and Golf Resort
The next closest balls will garner prizes including a Sonos Playbar, $1,000 Sprouts gift card, Padres tickets behind home plate and more. And you don't need to play golf to win; donations will be accepted to receive a lucky ball ($10 for one ball, $50 for six or $100 for 20).
Register and pay online at www.foundation.gcccd.edu/bdgc . The deadline for online purchases is Thursday, May 4. Cash, credit cards and checks will be accepted for ball purchases at the tournament until 3 p.m.
The golf classic annually draws about 120 golfers, raising more than $200,000 for college athletics and Exercise Science and Wellness programs. The event is sponsored by California Coast Credit Union, Sycuan Casino, and Sprouts Farmers Market.
“The helicopter drop, which has proven to be such a hit and a great way to raise money for the athletics programs,” said Daluiso, a member of the Grossmont Foundation Council.
Ryan Schumacher, associate dean of athletics at Cuyamaca College, said the experience of student athletes at both colleges will be enhanced by tournament proceeds. More than 500 student athletes participate in intercollegiate sports at both colleges and about a quarter continue their athletic careers at the four-year level.
Daluiso, who was introduced to collegiate football while he attended Grossmont College (Class of '88), said the golf tournament is his way of giving back to East County’s only public colleges and to lend support to student athletes. He later kicked foe San Diego State and UCLA. Dalusio prepped at Valhalla High, but only played soccer with the Norsemen.
As a pro with the Giants, he retired as the team’s all-time most accurate kicker and the second-leading scorer in the team’s history. After playing in two Super Bowls, he retired from football in 2001 after a stint with the Oakland Raiders.
In 2000, Daluiso was awarded the Ed Block Courage Award, presented to the team member displaying exemplary leadership, courage and community service. In 2012, he was selected as one of five outstanding community college alumni in the state by the Community College League of California. Today, Daluiso is a private wealth advisor with Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management.
For further information about the golf classic and ball drop, contact Erich Foeckler at erich.foeckler@gcccd.edu or call the foundation at (619) 644-7652.
For further information about the golf classic and ball drop, contact Erich Foeckler at erich.foeckler@gcccd.edu or call the foundation at (619) 644-7652.
Recent comments