February 24, 2008 

Update - Siena Rugby Alumni Memorial Golf Tournament Proceeds

The Siena Rugby Alumni Memorial Golf Tournament was started in 2002 as a memorial to Terence McShane (’86) and Mike Taddonio (’84), fellow rugby players and friends who lost their lives in the horrible tragedy on 9/11. The intentions initially were to raise money for the families of Terence and Mike. It has transitioned into a charitable event where we donate the proceeds from the tournament to various local charities and worthwhile causes within the Siena College community.

Thanks to all of you, we raised over $10,000 at the golf tournament in 2007. We are extremely happy to have been able to contribute to the following charities/organizations in the names of Terence and Mike:

Catholic Family Charities - every year we sponsor at least 2 families at Christmas through the Catholic Family Charities. This is always the largest contribution that we make. The gifts we buy are the only gifts that these kids receive at Christmas. We are given wish lists from each child and some of the dedicated Siena Alumnus go shopping and purchase all the gifts for the kids. We also purchase gift cards at a local supermarket so the families can have food at Christmas. This year, we sponsored 2 families. The first is a family with 4 children who is struggling to make ends meet. The dad was injured saving one of his kids when their house caught on fire several years ago. The second family has a 2 year old and a baby on the way and desperately needed food, baby supplies and clothing. This is always a very rewarding experience.

Hope 7 Community Center - this is a community center located on the east side of Troy, NY. They provide daycare, after school care, a soup kitchen and a food pantry for the Troy community. They also assist families in need during the holidays.

Troy Boys & Girls Club - in addition to always being involved in the community, this boys & girls club also adopts families at Christmas and continues to create programs to keep kids off the streets.

Siena College Model United Nations Team - we always try to support various organizations in the Siena Community and this year, Dr. Cutler’s Model United Nations Team needed funding to attend the annual conference. The students spend about 6 months preparing for this conference.

Siena Professor - we sent a donation to a Siena Professor whose house burned down just recently.

Saints Alive/ Siena Athletic Dept - we continue to support Saints Alive which benefits all the Athletic Programs at Siena College.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the golf tournament or simply contributing to a worthwhile effort, please contact Joe McCrudden, Tom Thornton, or Dave Feenan.

Thanks for your consideration.

The Siena Rugby Alumni Committee