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For the second year in a row, raindrops fell down at the Mount Kisco Country Club as Eli Manning stepped onto the putting green for his blind golf demo, part of the 37th annual Guiding Eyes for the Blind Golf Classic.
Despite the inclement weather, Manning used a blindfold to compete in a putting challenge against other blind golfers, each taking two attempts at landing the ball in the hole. Both of Manning’s puts fell several feet short of the cup—a testament to the skill required for golfing with a visual imparement.
The Guiding Eyes for the Blind Golf Classic is a two-day event that hosts some of the country’s best blind golfers and aims to raise over $700,000 this year. Since it began in 1977, the event has raised over $8 million and gained support from multiple sponsors. Manning began his support for Guiding Eyes for the Blind just over eight years ago, introduced to the Golf Classic by family friend and blind golf champion, Patrick Browne, Jr. Manning praised the organization for its charitable work and the incredible difference it has made for the visually impaired.
“Each year, you hear more and more stories of the great work that [Guiding Eyes] does and how many people’s lives it affects and changes for the better,” Manning said. “Guiding Eyes for the Blind is doing great work and I’m happy to be associated with them.”
In between questions about his surgically repaired ankle and new offensive coordinator, he reiterated his devotion to Guiding Eyes for the Blind and spoke about why showing up to the event every year means so much to him. Yet while Manning extolled the organization for its undying commitment to the visually impaired, Guiding Eyes for the Blind president and CEO, Thomas Panek, had some high praise for Manning as well.
“Eli’s presence and commitment to the organization through eight years of supporting us is evident,” Panek said. “He’s just a real champion both as an individual and on the field.”
The event finished off with a dinner and silent auction inside the Mount Kisco Country Club. With the timing of the event coming just as the New York Giants finish up with organized team activities and workouts, Manning said that it provided a good opportunity to get away from football for a bit. Manning told Westchester Magazine “During the season, there’s no time to get out on a Monday to the golf course, so I’m excited to be here and to help out Guiding Eyes—It’s good to get outside and get away to help a great cause.”
Guiding Eyes for the Blind provides its services free of charge, and is dependent on contributions to fulfill its mission. For more info on the organization and their mission, go to guidingeyes.org.