Touchdowns for Kids raises funds for athletics programs
More than 20 retired NFL greats traded their pigskins for golf balls during the 7th Annual Touchdowns for Kids Charity Beach Golf Tournament held June 27 at Kings Creek Country Club to raise money for the Rehoboth Beach Little League, Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach Junior Lifeguard programs, and Cape Sharks Pop Warner Football.
Established by retired Washington Redskins two-time Super Bowl winner Reggie Branch and The Starboard owner Steve “Monty” Montgomery, the Touchdowns tournament reflects the commitment of its founders to give back to their community.
“In these tough financial times, it’s more important than ever for all of us to pull together to be sure all of our kids here at the beach have access to activities so they can continue to grow through sports and athletics,” said Montgomery.
“This is part of everyone giving back,” Branch said. “It’s all about the kids, and that’s what keeps it real.”
First place for fun
From Sunday’s opening meet and greet at The Starboard through Monday’s closing ceremonies at Kings Creek, the celebrities and the golfers they played with honored Touchdowns’ tradition of friendly competition, camaraderie and fun.
“When I ask the NFL stars for their handicap, most of them tell me their handicap is golf,” said event organizer Stephanie Przygocki.
Former Redskin Clarence Vaughn’s moving rendition of “Hail to the Redskins” drew cheers from the crowd at the event’s start. Former Philadelphia Eagle John Booty’s counterattempt to sing the Eagles’ theme song was thwarted, fueling rumors that Branch’s relationship with The Starboard has created a bias toward the Redskins.
“What bias?” Branch asked. “We’re all a brotherhood here.”
The tournament began with the national anthem performed by 14-year-old Meghan Bennett, whose younger brother Devin presented the flag. At the end of the day, young athletes swarmed the country club for autographs.
Joe Capano, Frank Capano, Anthony Capano, Bill Warther, Brian Mitchell and Jeff Bonifacino took home first-place trophies, and golfer Mike Mayo countered that his team took first place for fun.
“We all won today,” said Montgomery. “None of us could do this alone. We’ll be back next year.” Montgomery thanked all the tourney supporters.
“Every day is a good day, and this was a very good day,” Branch concluded.
