GFDD’s 1st Golf Tournament Surpasses Fundraising Expectations; Dominicans around the World to Benefit

Dr. Leonel Fernández, Honorary President of GFDD, awards the wining team with the 2010 GFDD Cup

Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD), a foundation that promotes the educational and professional development of future generations of Dominicans throughout the world, and the social, economic and democratic development of the country, united a strong group of golfers and foundation supporters around the tournament’s spokespersons, Mr. Juan Marichal and Honorary President of GFDD, Dr. Leonel Fernández. The foundation raised around $150,000
in donations through its first charity golf tournament, surpassing expectations.

Yamile Eusebio, Director of GFDD New York, was pleasantly surprised that, even in these tough economic times, people’s hearts –and wallets—opened up. "We are encouraged to see the generous response GFDD has received with this fundraiser, and hope that our future golf tournaments can
drive the same enthusiasm and positive support."

The tournament got off to an exciting start when baseball legend and Hall-of-Famer, Juan Marichal, joined dozens of golfers, as he did the honors on the first Tee. “I feel extremely honored to take part in this first annual GFDD Golf Tournament. It’s a wonderful opportunity to play with great friends for a great cause, that is,
to carry on GFDD’s projects for the betterment of hundreds of Dominicans”, said Marichal.

President of the Dominican Republic and Honorary President of the foundation, Dr. Leonel Fernández, hosted the award ceremony; and together with Juan Marichal, presented the 2010 GFDD CUP to the team with the best gross score, made up by: Manuel Torres, Ramón Duran, Andrés Geraldo and Ricardo Bonnett. The team
possessing the best net score was made up by Ignacio Castillo, Oswaldo Rodríguez, Juan Alicea and Rafael Pérez. Meanwhile, the team comprised by Pablo Tapia, José Tapia, Eddy Martínez and David Corona earned the second best net score, counting 25% of the sum of the handicaps reported. Special prizes were awarded for the longest drive at hole #8, obtained by José Gonzalez, and for closest to meet flag for all shotgun starts at par 3
holes, obtained by Richie Romano (hole #3), Gerry Zipkin (hole #5), Andrés Geraldo (hole #10) and Felix Sención (hole #16).

The tournament was held at the Saint Andrew’s Golf Club, in New York, America’s oldest golf club (1888). Played in four-man "scramble" format, the tournament gave the golfers the opportunity to compete and enjoy themselves, said Willy Pumarol, Technical Director of the GFDD Golf
Tournament.

“Pride in Dominican culture – in all its richness and diversity – infuse all of our programs and projects,” said Asunción Sanz, Director of GFDD Washington D.C.

Players included well-known Dominican personalities, such as Eddy Martinez, Executive Director of the Dominican Export-Import Council (CEIRD); Rafael Canario, Executive Director of the Dominican
Federation of Golf (FEDOGOLF); and Carlos Arias, Golf Commissioner for the Dominican Republic.
In addition, GFDD board members granted special prizes among players for the best ”close to the pin” shot, the longest drive, and the net overall score.

About GFDD
GFDD GFDD is a private, 501©3, US registered non-for-profit, non-partisan organization. The institution conducts
research and analysis, organizes educational and professional training programs, and provides opportunities for professional and academic exchange.

Please visit: http://www.globalfoundationdd.org/gfdd