The Kaplen Foundation Becomes 2007 Women’s Title Sponsor at The Kennedy Funding Invitational, July 11-15

Philanthropic Institution Donates $100,000 to Help in Crusade Against Breast Cancer Hackensack, New Jersey, June 21st, 2007 – The philanthropic Kaplen Foundation is the 2007 Women’s Title Sponsor at The Kennedy Funding Invitational, July 11-15, one of the most prestigious tennis events of the year. Well-known for its altruistic donations and endeavors, the Kaplen Foundation brings exciting women’s tennis to the tournament for the first time, and will feature eight of the top professional players in the world, including Meghann Shaughnessy, Ashley Harkleroad and others.

The Kennedy Funding Invitational, presented by Cole Shotz, Meisel, Forman and Leonard, PA is a benefit tournament for two area hospital breast care centers. Co-Directors James Miller, Mitch Klein, and Kevin Wolfer have put together one of the finest competitions in the U.S. for 2007. Players who will be competing in The Beer Family Men’s Tournament include: returning 2006 Champion Paul Goldstein from Rockville, Maryland; Justin Gimelstob from Morristown, NJ, plus Robby Ginepri, Robert Kendrick, Amir Delic and many other players from around the world who are ranked in the ATP top 100. As a special added bonus for 2007, The Kennedy Funding Invitational will feature an appearance by the legendary former World No. 1-ranked Pete Sampras, playing in an eagerly awaited exhibition match. During his 15-year career, he won a record 14 Grand Slam men's singles titles in 52 appearances and finished the year as No. 1 on the ATP rankings for six consecutive years.

The Kaplen Foundation was created 40 years ago by construction magnate Bill Kaplen to help support a variety of educational and worthy Jewish causes, and has donated millions of dollars over the years to deserving groups. Pleased to be a part of the cancer-fighting Invitational, Kaplen said, “If my first career was making money, my second, which makes me much happier, is giving it away. Nothing I have done in my long life has brought me the kind of happiness that giving away my money has. If you have the resources to give but don’t, no matter how young you are, you are denying yourself something wonderful. And nothing is more deserving than the cause of making breast cancer a thing of the past.”

The setting will once again be the prestigious Dellwood Country Club in New City, NY, with its 12 Har Tru tennis courts, 18-hole Tillinghast-designed golf course, sumptuous banquet facilities, and more. Players will be competing for over $250,000 in prize money during a week-long event inspired by the passing of a beloved friend and valued member of the community in 2006.

Leslie Simon lost her battle with breast cancer earlier last year. Says Kevin Wolfer, “Leslie was a beautiful wife, mother, daughter, sister, and a dear friend to everyone who knew her. Thanks to Englewood Hospital and Medical Center’s Breast Care Center, she was treated by the pre-eminent facility in the country, and everything available was done to help her during her painful transition. Knowing that Englewood Hospital is on the forefront of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, Kennedy Funding conceived The Kennedy Funding Invitational both as a fitting tribute to Leslie, and to ensure that Englewood Hospital will receive the financial support necessary to continue fighting this insidious disease.”

Also benefiting from The Kennedy Funding Invitational as of 2007 is Nyack Hospital in New York. The Union State Bank Cancer Center at Nyack Hospital was the 2005 recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons, given to only 9% of programs surveyed. The center’s comprehensive breast cancer program features a one-stop experience for breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and support, with access to both “high technology” clinical research protocols and “high touch” supportive therapies. The Breast Care Program believes that caring for women right in their own community makes a tremendous difference in both their own and their family’s health.

Admission to The Kennedy Funding Invitational is free to the public. Admission to the Pete Sampras exhibition matches requires tickets. All proceeds will go to Englewood Hospital and Nyack Hospital. The 2006 tournament resulted in over a $250,000 contribution to Englewood Hospital & Medical Center, and 2007’s contribution is expected to approach $400,000.

 

Kennedy Funding is a commercial real estate lending company that specializes in unconventional financing where speed and attention to special circumstances are critical. Their unique lending program has made Kennedy Funding one of the largest direct, private lenders in the country. Kennedy Funding recognizes the importance of speed, and those loans must often be structured around each client's unique set of financial circumstances. Their program has been providing lightning-fast service and creative funding solutions throughout North America since 1986, and internationally since 1996.
www.kennedyfunding.com

For more information about The Kennedy Funding Invitational, please call (917) 607-6477, or visit www.thekennedyfundinginvitational.com.

For more information regarding Englewood Hospital and Medical Center Foundation, please call 201-894-3725, or visit www.englewoodhospital.com.

For more information on Nyack Hospital, please call 845-348-2000, or visit www.nyackhospital.org.