I had the opportunity to sit down with Rich “Big Daddy” Salgado and discuss, sports, insurance, St. Jude, his upcoming St. Jude Big Daddy Celebrity Golf Classic, and his special friend Tyler who was a patient for St. Jude.
Salgado grew up in New Hyde Park, Long Island to two immigrant parents who were Dominican and Peruvian. He has two younger brothers; His brother Lewis has a son with his wife Jade and Jimmy has two sons and a daughter with his wife Carolyn. Rich went to Milford Academy for Postgraduate and played for Vince Sinagra and he then went on to play football at the University of Maryland.
“I loved playing football but after college, I went into the insurance business where I started insuring former players, coaches, businessmen and women and made my way insuring so many different individuals and corporations.”
“Giving back has always been part of my DNA. I got involved with St. Jude years ago and then my event took a break after covid. Last year, we went back to St. Jude, and they welcomed us with open arms.”
Salgado is known as a gentle giant. He has a tremendous heart and is always doing for others. He also became very friendly with Tyler, a former pediatric patient of St. Jude who is now in remission.
“Tyler and I met 10 years ago when he was a patient. We spent some time speaking and hanging out. From that moment, I had made a special friend.
I had Michael Strahan send him an autograph book that he read and holds with great honor as well as admiration. I also had Arizona Iced Tea President, John Posillico, send him a very BIG Care package with goodies from America’s favorite Beverage Company. I also had Tyler get his one CHEESE HEAD from the Green Bay Packers. So, we along with his mom and dad have developed a friendship. I’m looking forward to sharing the stage with Tyler as he shares his story with the audience the night of the St. Jude Big Daddy Celebrity Golf Classic on Monday, June 24 at Cold Springs Harbor.”
“This year’s event starts off on Sunday, June 23rd with a private VIP Party at Oheka Castle. All our celebrity guests will be staying at Oheka Castle. Some other special guests like our sponsors will also be joining us. Monday, we start off with golf beginning at 1230pm where the foursomes will have a celebrity golfer joining them. It is best ball format which should make it fun and move the game along.
After the golf, we will have a cocktail party followed by a gala with musical performance by Michael Martocci and his 17-piece orchestra. We will also have a silent and live auction and music will be spun by the famous DJ SKRIBBLE.”
Guests and golfers can expect to see Michael Strahan (GMA Host, NFL Hall of Fam, & NY Giants Super Bowl Champion), Justin Tuck (2x New York Giants Super Bowl Champion), Howard Cross NY Giants Super Bowl Champion), Brandon Graham (Philadelphia Eagles), Bobby Okereke (NY Giants) Jillian Cardarelli (Country Music Artist), Adam Schefter (ESPN NFL Insider),
Mike Tannenbaum (ESPN NFL Office Insider), Kevin Weekes (ESPN NHL Insider& NHL Network), Jim Leyritz (NY Yankees 2x World Series Champion),
John Randle (NFL Hall of Fam Minnesota Vikings), Chris Hogan 2x New England Patriots Super Bowl Champion), David Merritt 5x Super Bowl Champion DB Coach with Chiefs and Giants, to name a few.
“We do have some special guests joining us besides the celebrities. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Ingrid Martin Lewis of NYC Mayor Adams office, Carolyn Manno of NBC Sports, Mike DelGuidice lead singer of BIG SHOT, Billy Joel’s Band who will be golfing but not performing.”
“We must give a special mention to the sponsors who make it possible. DELTA Airlines, NIKE, Arizona Iced Tea, Sam Adams, DOS Hombres Mezcal, Lefty Cigars, Rothmann’s Steakhouse, Matteo’s Restaurants, Vincent’s Clam Bar,
And most importantly, Gary Melius, owner of the Oheka Castle! He was so generous and very giving to St. Jude.”
People can still sign-up for golf. There are a few foursomes available as well as individual spots to play. There are tickets also available for the evening’s gala. You can also become a sponsor or just make a donation by going to www.stjude.org/bigdaddygolf
“Our goal with this event is to raise a lot of funds and awareness for the mission of St. Jude. We also want to get the message out globally that funds are needed to ensure that families of the sick never ever receive a bill. Never worry about food, housing, etc.”
“I would like to see everyone, no matter who you are or where you’re from, join us on Monday, June 24th. Ok, Tom Brady and Mark Wahlberg. LOL.
If I had a crystal ball, I would see this event turn into a national one with folks lining up to play in the outing and performances from musical groups from all musical backgrounds. I will be working extremely hard for this.”
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To purchase tickets or make a donation: www.bigdaddysgolfclassic.com