Click here for Greater Long Island newsletters. Click here to download the iPhone app.
The stars were out at Oheka Castle in Huntington to raise money for a great cause at the annual Big Daddy Celebrity Golf Classic.
The event was launched in 2010 by Rich “Big Daddy” Salgado, the President of Coastal Advisors LLC Insurance Consultants and one of the most trusted men among professional athletes. The event benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with proceeds going directly to advancing cures, saving children and ensuring they never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food.
The Celebrity Classic also features a gala with the SHER Group, a women’s empowerment organization founded by Anzhelika Steen-Olsen.
One of the celebrities in attendance was former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan.
“I gotta be here to support my guy Big Daddy, and, of course, St. Jude which I’ve been part of for many years,” said the Pro Football Hall of Famer and co-host of ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
The list of sports celebrities to walk the red carpet also included Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, New Orleans Saints offensive line coach Doug Marrone, former Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets quarterback Neil O’Donnell and former NFL offensive lineman Brian Baldinger, a Long Island native who is now an analyst for NFL Network.
It’s an event that has raised thousands for St. Jude over the years.
“I’m very proud of my association with them and everything they do for kids and the research,” said Strahan. “Any parent can sympathize or hope you never have to be in the situation where you’re told that your child has cancer and this is a place that helps parents deal with that and helps children get better so I’m all behind it.”
There were also celebrities on hand from the entertainment world including musician Mike DelGuidice from Billy Joel’s band. DelGuidice started the Billy Joel cover band “Big Shot” in 2000 and then was brought into Billy’s band in 2013.
DelGuidice was more than happy to lend a helping hand to the event.
“The cause is unreal,” said DelGuidice, a vocalist rhythm guitarist for Billy Joel’s band. “You hear St. Jude and your heart just goes…let me give what I can give. Just being here is a great thing and I’m just happy to be here.”
Joel recently announced that his monthly residency at Madison Square Garden will come to an end in July 2024 after a ten-year run. While the residency is ending, Joel is not retiring and DelGuidice is still busy with “Big Shot” and other projects.
“I think we kind of all felt that ten years is a great run,” said DelGuidice. “(Billy’s) got more in the tank. I’m sure he does. I’m pretty sure we’re still doing other stuff throughout the year. (Big Shot is) playing everywhere. Doing a lot more of my own stuff now too. Still working with Kevin James on some stuff.”
For more information on St. Jude Children’s Hospital, please visit stjude.org.
Click below to see photos from a year prior’s Big Daddy Celebrity Golf Classic and Gala.
