Paul Goldstein & Englewood Hospital Big Winners at The Kennedy Funding Invitational Champ Pockets $20,000 & Englewood Hospital Breast Care Center Gets Check for $250,000

New City, NY, July 26, 2006 –The Kennedy Funding Invitational, destined to become one of the most popular tennis tournaments in the metropolitan area, took place at the Dellwood Country Club in New City from July 9th through the 16th. The inaugural event was a resounding success, and featured top tennis professionals from around the world battling it out for the championship. Tournament organizers Kevin Wolfer, James Miller, and Mitch Klein are committed to the continued growth and success of The Kennedy Funding Invitational, and this opening event proved to be a rewarding one to everyone involved. The Invitational featured Top-100 players and world-class tennis, and the underlying story was just as interesting and even more inspiring.

Earlier this year, Leslie Simon, a beloved friend of Kennedy Funding’s Wolfer family and, indeed, of everyone who knew her over the years, regrettably lost her valiant battle with breast cancer. Due to the remarkable life she had led, her friends and family decided to do something that would both serve as her legacy, and help breast cancer research and treatment progress. The Kennedy Funding Invitational’s main purpose, therefore, is to raise money for the Breast Care Center of Englewood Hospital, where Leslie Simon was treated for so many years.

Launched in 1991, the Breast Care Center is now an international training site where physicians from around the world visit to learn about their approach to patient care. In 1994, the Breast Care Center was designated by Congress as a national model for breast cancer diagnosis and management, with a specially trained team of experienced radiologists and cytopathologists working together to perform diagnostic tests. The outstanding medical staff also participates in organizations such as the national Cancer Institute, which are setting the standards for breast care diagnosis and treatment.

“We’re thrilled to be hosting this tournament,” said Kevin Wolfer, co-CEO of Kennedy Funding. “Breast cancer affects so many lives. Englewood Hospital’s work in diagnosing and treating breast cancer is remarkable, and we’re glad to pitch in and help them out in our own small way. We’re looking forward to holding the Invitational every year, and hoping to make a worthwhile contribution to our community each time.”

Everyone at The Kennedy Funding Invitational seemed to echo these sentiments. Paul Goldstein, the eventual champ, came out for his championship match against No. 2 Kevin Kim with a pink lace on one shoe, signifying his support for the tournament’s charity. Then, after winning the match 6-3, 6-2, to clinch the title, Goldstein wrote out a personal check to Englewood Hospital Breast Care Center, adding to the $250,000 the Invitational had already raised. “I feel fortunate to be a part of it from a ‘positive cause’ standpoint, and from an ‘enjoying myself’ standpoint,” said Goldstein.

Tournament organizers were quite happy with the tournament’s success, but they have even bigger plans for next year, which include larger facilities and more extensive pre-tournament advertising. Everyone hopes The Kennedy Funding Invitational will also benefit from this year’s players speaking about it to their peers around the world.

Kennedy Funding is a commercial real estate lending company that specializes in unconventional financing where speed and attention to special circumstances are critical. Our unique lending program has made Kennedy Funding one of the largest direct, private lenders in the country. At Kennedy Funding, we recognize the importance of speed, and that loans must often be structured around each client's unique set of financial circumstances. Our program has been providing lightning-fast service and creative funding solutions throughout North America since 1987, and internationally since 1996.