Jul 7, 2009 6:01 am US/Eastern
Joe Torre Holds Celebrity Benefit In Westchester
Former Yankees Skipper, Celebrities Tee Off In Golf Classic To Battle Domestic Violence
By OTIS LIVINGSTON, CBS 2 HD News
BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y. (CBS) ―
-
-
Joe Torre stands on the speaker's platform as the Los Angeles Dodgers introduce Torre as their new manager on November 5, 2007 at Dodger Stadiium in Los Angeles. (File)
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
Former Yankees manager Joe Torre came back to the New York area on Monday, but it was for a greater cause than just the upcoming series between his Los Angeles Dodgers and the Mets on Tuesday.
In Westchester, Torre was campaigning for a cause very close to his heart: the issue of domestic violence.
Torre's commitment to the issue stems from the fear he lived with growing up as a child as he witnessed and endured years of abuse. As a result, Torre and his wife Ali together created the Safe at Home Foundation in memory of his mother, Margaret.
Torre and a great collection of supporters teed off Monday morning in its 2009 Celebrity Golf Classic in Briarcliff Manor at Trump National Golf Club to help the cause. Safe at Home is dedicated to ensuring that all children have an opportunity to grow up in a safe and abuse-free environment.
"We're raising money because we have Safe at Home schools. We have 10 schools and the Queens and Brooklyn Family Justice Center. We have safe rooms called Margaret's Place," Torre said. "They're for youngsters. I was very withdrawn and thought things were going on because they were my fault. It's really given these kids the chance in schools to talk to counselors and just to give them coping skills, let them know it's not their fault."
Torre is a baseball legend in these parts, but his celebrity status reaches far beyond the baseball diamond. Many of his famous friends were thrilled to lend their support.
"Joe works so hard for the cause," Donald Trump said. "It's a great cause and there's nobody like him that makes sure it succeeds."
Former president Bill Clinton addressed the crowd and commended Torre for the impact that he's made on many people's lives.
"I bet there have been a lot of people's lives who have been saved and rescued who may not have been the direct beneficiaries of this, but because of the symbolic impact of taking this issue out of the dark, putting it in the light and discussing it," Clinton said. "We all owe him more than just thanks for a great day of golf."
The event raised more than $250,000.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
2009 Celebrity Deaths
Click to enlarge
11,486 Vaccinated At NYC Weekend H1N1 Clinics 1 min ago 
Stumble It!
Comments