Carl Cappa Memorial Classic Surpasses $1 milion!

Organizers of the Carl Cappa Memorial Classic have some good reasons to smile – one million of them, in fact.

The Cappa Classic enjoyed another successful event August 11, as the inclement weather that was in the area stayed away most of the day. The event was capped by the announcement that the tournament had successfully completed its "Drive for a Million" campaign by surpassing $1,000,000 in cumulative net proceeds.


Tournament Chair Gregg Bender, left, and Paul Cesana, TRC Foundation President, pose with Brian Dickinson, who won the Special Olympics putting contest.


Carl Cappa, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Crawford Furniture Manufacturing Corp. and the Chair of TRC Foundation's Board of Directors, established the golf tournament in 1997 as a means of raising money for TRC Foundation's endowment fund. Thanks to his drive and determination, the tournament has experienced tremendous success: TRC Foundation now has assets of more than $1.7 million, and over the years the organization has awarded more than $300,000 in grants to benefit Chautauqua County residents challenged by disabilities and socioeconomic disadvantages.

Following Cappa's death in 2001 his son, Michael, took over as the tournament's honorary chair. With the help of his mother, Catherine, and a dedicated steering committee, Mike Cappa has continued his father's legacy by further enhancing the Cappa Classic's success. Mike's sons, Brett and Scott, also serve on the tournament's steering committee.

In its first 11 years, the tournament netted just over $900,000. With the $1 million mark within sight, organizers put on a determined effort to raise the money needed to reach $1,000,000 this year.

The announcement regarding the successful conclusion of the "Drive for a Million" campaign was made during the awards dinner, which immediately followed the tournament. Mike Cappa; Gregg Bender, who chairs the Cappa Classic steering committee; and Paul Cesana, TRC Foundation's president, unveiled a ceremonial check noting the achievement. Players, sponsors and family members gave a standing ovation.

"No matter how much credibility your dad had, I wouldn't have believed it if he had told me that in 12 years, we would raise a million dollars," Cesana told Cappa. "This tournament is your father's legacy, a legacy that is testament to the type of beliefs and values that Carl possessed," Cesana continued. "But it's also a testament to the beliefs and values of our community. The Resource Center touches the lives of thousands of individuals with disabling conditions every day. It's important for the community to take care of its most vulnerable members. The community supports our mission and, in so many ways, makes sure that our work gets done."

"I know my dad's looking down on us today," Cappa said. "My dad had three values - family first, then Crawford, and this golf tournament. I share those same values, and as I've said before, as long as I'm around, this tournament will continue to be successful."

Bender thanked the other committee members whose efforts made it possible for the Cappa Classic to net some $96,000 this year and reach the million-dollar plateau. Committee members include Bender and Cesana, who work for The Resource Center; Mike, Brett and Scott Cappa, who work for Crawford Furniture; R. Michael Goldman of Sotir & Goldman, who serves on The Resource Center's board of directors; Mike Kaye, Moon Brook Country Club; Brian Lydic, Lake Shore Savings; David Mackowiak of Johnson, Mackowiak & Associates; Timur Tyra, KeyBank; Frank Vassallo, Moon Brook; Carol Vinciguerra, The Resource Center and TRC Foundation; and Tad Wright of Wright, Wright & Hampton.

The tournament, played at Moon Brook Country Club in Jamestown, experienced its largest field this year – 36 teams competing in a four-ball, two best-ball format. The winning foursome was composed of Bill Brothers, Dave Harris, Mike Montgomery, and Bill St. George, who shot a net 124.

The Cappa Classic Steering Committee and TRC Foundation extend their gratitude to everyone who sponsored or otherwise participated in this year's tournament, making it possible to reach the $1 million plateau. The tournament sponsor was Carl Cappa's wife, Catherine, and the Cappa family. Corporate sponsors included Buffamante, Whipple, Buttafaro; the Winifred Crawford Dibert Foundation; Jamestown Container; Merrill Lynch – White/Auer/Kane Group; Moore & Myott; NRG Dunkirk Power; and Support Enterprises.

Click here for a complete list of sponsors.

Catherine Cappa and her son, Michael, present a ceremonial check to Gregg Bender, left, the chairman of the Carl Cappa Memorial Classic steering committee, and Paul Cesana, right, the president of TRC Foundation.

Catherine Cappa and her son, Michael, center, present the RoseMarie Cappa Lindstrom trophy to the winners of the 2008 Carl Cappa Memorial Classic — from left, Bill St. George, Bill Brothers, Dave Harris, and Mike Montgomery. Bill Brothers works with TRC through his company, Premier Consulting Associates, which is a financial contributor to TRC Foundation. Besides being a member of the winning team in the golf tournament, Bill won $100 in the raffle drawing, as well as a table and chairs donated by Crawford Furniture Manufacturing, the company headed by Mike Cappa. Bill donated the money back to TRC Foundation and instructed that the table and chairs be given to a needy family.

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