New York Giants two-time Super Bowl Champion and Pro Bowl defensive end Justin Tuck hosted his 4th Annual Tuck’s Celebrity Billiards Tournament Presented by RXR, a leading New York Tri-State real estate operating company, on Thursday, May 31st.
The fourth annual fundraiser was held at Slate NYC. The celebrity-packed competition featured over 30 stars vying for the title as part of an effort to support a fundraising initiative for the Pro Bowler’s major charity platform, Tuck’s R.U.S.H. for Literacy.
Tuck was joined by teammates Chase Blackburn, Chris Canty, Jason Pierre-Paul, Terrell Thomas, Michael Boley and Osi Umenyiora.
Tuck’s R.U.S.H. (read, understand, succeed and hope) for Literacy was started by Lauran and Justin Tuck and donates new books and other reading materials to underserved children in the Tri-State area and Central Alabama communities.
To date, Tuck’s initiatives have donated over 45,000 books to nearly 8,000 middle schoolers and have raised over $1 million. Furthermore, since 2008 the Tucks have granted over $150,000 to high-performing nonprofits that support underserved youth.
Over the past three years, a variety of actors, actresses, professional athletes, recording artists, models, and reality television stars have paid a visit to Slate NYC to lend their support to Tuck’s R.U.S.H. for Literacy including actor Anthony Anderson, who has served as the Master of Ceremonies, DJ Mad Linx, who will be providing music for the evening, Vivica A. Fox (Actress), John Legend (Musician), Spike Lee (Actor), Padma Lakshmi (Model, Actress), Cedric the Entertainer (Actor), Buddy Valastro (Reality Star, Carlos Bakery), Chubb Rock (Hip Hop Star), Petra Nemcova (Super Model), Adam Schefter (ESPN), Paul Sorvino (Actor), Landry Fields (NY Knicks), Mark Sanchez (NY Jets), Eli Manning (NY Giants), Hakeem Nicks (NY Giants), and Shaun O’Hara (NY Giants) among others.
“Tuck’s R.U.S.H. for Literacy has really ramped up support over the past few years,” Tuck said. “We are now able to see the long-lasting and positive effects we’ve had on childhood education. Last year was huge for us as we broke the $1 million fundraising mark and we will continue to reach new levels. This has always been a great night for Lauran and me and we’re excited to see what the future holds.”
RXR Chairman and CEO Scott Rechler added, “The excitement of the New York Giants Super Bowl victory has been carried over to Tuck’s Celebrity Billiards Tournament and we are proud to be the presenting sponsor for the fourth consecutive year. At RXR, our core values are to support philanthropic initiatives that improve the quality of life in our communities. Justin’s R.U.S.H. for Literacy has continually raised the bar in promoting literacy giving our children the chance to be tomorrow’s leaders.”
The tournament consisted of 32 two-person teams pre-paired in a single elimination 8-ball challenge and is managed by the American Poolplayers Association and referees oversee each match. After the final match, Tuck will present the winning team with a Grand Prize Luxury Package.
