Nestled between rolling hills, historic estates, and pristine fairways, Westchester County has long held a reputation as a epicenter for high-net-worth philanthropy. Beyond the black-tie galas in grand ballrooms, some of the most impactful fundraising occurs across the county’s renowned private golf courses.
Here, business leaders, professional athletes, and community patrons gather to combine championship sportsmanship with targeted charitable giving.
1. The Mariano Rivera Save 653 Golf Invitational
The Venue: Metropolis Country Club | White Plains, NY
The Cause: Youth mentorship, vocational training, and educational scholarships via the Mariano Rivera Save 653 Foundation.
Hosted by Baseball Hall of Famer and New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera, this annual tournament brings together sports icons, corporate sponsors, and philanthropists for a day on one of Westchester’s finest fairways.
What sets the Save 653 Invitational apart is its direct, tangible mission. Proceeds from the tournament fund critical youth programs, including STEM initiatives, vocational and culinary arts training, and law enforcement youth partnerships. The event seamlessly pairs elite, competitive golf with an evening reception featuring silent auctions, fine dining, and personal presentations from young adults whose lives have been transformed by the foundation’s work.
2. White Plains Hospital Annual Golf & Tennis Classic
The Venue: Quaker Ridge Golf Club & Westchester Country Club
The Cause: Expanding regional healthcare access, advanced surgical technology, and community health programs.
As one of the largest healthcare fundraisers in the region, the White Plains Hospital Classic spans across multiple premier private clubs to accommodate hundreds of participants. Drawing top executives from real estate, finance, and healthcare, the event serves as a bellwether for Westchester’s corporate philanthropy scene.
The day features concurrent golf and tennis tournaments, culminating in an expansive evening cocktail party where attendees preview upcoming expansions to the hospital’s clinical facilities and emergency services.
3. The Northern Westchester Hospital Gala & Classic
The Venue: GlenArbor Golf Club | Bedford Hills, NY
The Cause: Patient-centered care programs and facility upgrades across Northwell Health’s local footprint.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Gary Player-designed GlenArbor, this flagship gathering draws North County’s most prominent residents. Known for its sophisticated atmosphere, the event balances high-caliber tournament play with an elegant dinner celebration.
Funds raised directly support specialized medical equipment, wellness centers, and local community outreach, making it a cornerstone event for Westchester’s residential leadership.
The Formula Behind Westchester’s Philanthropic Success
The success of Westchester’s premier charity scene relies on three core elements:
- Unmatched Venues: Access to exclusive, private courses that are otherwise closed to non-members creates high demand among golf enthusiasts and donors.
- Direct Community Impact: Modern donors favor transparency. Events like Mariano Rivera’s Save 653 focus heavily on concrete outcomes—such as career readiness tracks and scholarships—allowing sponsors to see the immediate result of their contributions.
- High-Value Networking: These tournaments double as vital networking hubs where regional leaders connect, partner, and invest back into local institutions.
Whether on the green or in the ballroom, Westchester’s charity events continue to demonstrate how high-end leisure and purposeful giving can drive lasting change across the region.