New York Giant Justin Tuck Hosts Second Annual Celebrity Billiards Tournament to benefit Tuck's R.U.S.H. for Literacy

NEW YORK, June 8 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Thursday, June 3rd, New York Giants Pro Bowl defensive end Justin Tuck hosted Tuck's Celebrity Billiards Tournament Presented by RXR Realty LLC, a leading New York Tri-State real estate operating company. The second annual fundraiser was held at Slate NYC.

Joined by a full roster of celebrities and athletes, Tuck drew support from across the NFL, including a number of New York Giants. The billiards competition has raised over $500,000 for Tuck's charitable initiative, Tuck's R.U.S.H. for Literacy, since its inception last year. Founded in 2008 by Justin and his wife Lauran to educate and empower underserved children, R.U.S.H. provides books and other reading materials to both New York City schools as well as school districts in Alabama where Tuck was raised. The charity's mission is to encourage children to READ, UNDERSTAND, SUCCEED and HOPE and to embrace literacy throughout their lives.

Among the celebrities who attended were Big Daddy Kane (Hip Hop Star), Buddy Valastro (Reality Star, Carlos Bakery), Charles Smith (retired NBA player), Chubb Rock (Hip Hop Star), Damien Woody (NY Jets), Dave Diehl (NY Giants), Eli Manning (NY Giants), Hakeem Nicks (NY Giants), Jamal Anderson (retired NFL player), Melle Mel (Hip Hop Star), Ryan Grant (Green Bay Packers), Shaun O'Hara (NY Giants), Terrell Thomas (NY Giants), Vivica A. Fox (Actor) and Law and Order star Anthony Anderson, Tuck who served as Master of Ceremonies.

Jeannette "The Black Widow" Lee participated in challenge games against celebrities and attendees, while Anthony

Anderson and DJ Mad Linx entertained the crowd.

Frank Pusinelli and John La Ruffa of team RXR Cue Masters defeated Justin Tuck and his teammate Jay Caldwell in the semi-finals to advance to the final round and become the 2010 champions.  The Grand Prize Package included luxury vacation packages courtesy of The Gansevoort Turks and Caicos and The Barton G. Villa, HP Mini, David Yurman jewelry, Pelle Pelle leather jacket, and a year membership to Crunch Gyms.

Tuck's Celebrity Billiards Tournament is supported by many dedicated companies and individuals who also believe in Tuck's passion for literacy. Sponsors for this year's event included presenting sponsor RXR Realty, Hewlett-Packard, Subway, RCN, Diageo, NetApp and Coke Zero.

 

About Justin Tuck and Tuck's R.U.S.H. for Literacy

This program aspires to encourage children to READ, UNDERSTAND, SUCCEED, and HOPE as they continue to nurture literacy in their lives.  Founded by Justin and Lauran Tuck, this initiative is committed to raising funds to donate books and other reading materials to enrich youth in the New York and Central Alabama communities.  Justin Tuck is an NFL Pro Bowl and All-Pro defensive end who was drafted by the New York Giants in 2005.

About RXR

RXR Realty LLC ("RXR") is a vertically integrated private real estate company with expertise in investment management, property management, development, design, construction, leasing, financing and asset management. RXR's core growth strategy is focused on New York City and the surrounding tri-state area markets.  The Company is one of the largest owners, managers, and developers in the New York Tri-State Area with interests in approximately $2.5 billion in assets, comprised of 102 operating properties containing approximately 12.9 million square feet, and an extensive development pipeline.