[VIDEO] New York, NY — Giants Super Bowl Champion defensive end Justin Tuck and his wife Lauran hosted their 3rd Annual Tuck’s Celebrity Billiards Tournament presented by RXR Reality, LLC. on Thursday evening at Slate in New York City.
The event brought together celebrities and VIPs to raise money for Tuck’s R.U.S.H. for Literacy, an initiative started by Tuck and his wife to encourage children to Read, Understand, Succeed, and Hope. Tuck’s R.U.S.H. for Literacy donates books along with other reading materials to enrich youth in both the New York City and Central Alabama communities. Since the foundation began in 2008, Tuck’s initiatives have donated over 21,000 books and have raised over $800,000.
The Tucks were joined by celebrities including Mark Sanchez, Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, Buddy Valastro, Padma Lakshmi, Anthony Anderson, Jeanette “Black Widow” Lee, along with teammates Hakeem Nicks, Terrell Thomas, Chris Canty, David Diehl and Brandon Jacobs and many more.
Pro Boxer Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins, who was also in attendance, stated exactly why he loves attending events such as this one.
“I am so passionate about anything that deals with helping our youth along with their future and steering them to make positive choices,” said Hopkins. “For me to give them my support at these kinds of events is good because it means I am truly giving back with my time and knowledge and those aren’t things that can be done just by giving a dollar.”
“Having an opportunity to visit schools and talk to the students is great,” said Tuck. “Our impact on the kids is what I’m most proud of.”
The tournament consisted of 32 two-person teams that were pre-paired in a single elimination 8 ball challenge. After the final match, Tuck presented the winning team with a Grand Prize Luxury Package, which includes a three-night stay at the Four Seasons Resort in Nevis, West Indies.
The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was once again actor and comedian Anthony Anderson. This is the third year he has emceed the event and continues to show his support of the Tucks’ efforts to help raise funds by hosting the tournament.
“It really means a lot to my wife Lauran and me to have celebrities and athletes come to our event and support Tuck’s R.U.S.H. for Literacy,” said Tuck. “We are so blessed to have the continued support of our friends and sponsors who help make this event better each year.”
Presenting partner for the event, RXR, was joined by additional sponsors Barclays Wealth, HP, Modell’s Sporting Goods, Coca-Cola Enterprises, NetApp, Subway, Moet Hennessy U.S.A., The O’Sullivan Children Foundation, Inc., and The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.
For more information on the Tuck’s R.U.S.H. for Literacy, please visit www.justintuck.com
