GFDD and FUNGLODE Fortifies Ties Between USA and DR through Golf

Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (GFDD) and its sister organization in the Dominican Republic, FUNGLODE, hosted a group of skilled golfers and foundation supporters at its third annual golf tournament at the historic Fresh Meadow Country Club in Great Neck, Long Island.

The golfers were joined by Dominican baseball great Mr. Juan Marichal and Honorary GFDD and FUNGLODE President Dr. Leonel Fernández, spokespersons for this
charity golf tourney. The Foundations seeks to raise thousands of dollars in donations to help them continue their quality programming that includes promoting educational and professional development of future generations of Dominicans throughout the world as well as social, economic and democratic development of the country.

The event, now a GFDD and FUNGLODE tradition, has gotten bigger each year. This year, fully 100 golfers teed off after their welcome breakfast on this perfect golf day.

Golfers were clearly excited when they realized they were to be joined on the first tee by baseball’s legendary pitcher and Hall-of-Famer, Juan Marichal, who, instead of the first pitch, he teed off on the first hole. "I’m extremely honored to take part in this third annual GFDD and FUNGLODE Golf Tournament.It’s a wonderful opportunity to play with great friends for a great cause, that is, to help GFDD and FUNGLODE continue their projects for the betterment of the Dominican Republic," said Marichal, who also praised the lovely weather.

Later in the day, Golfers and their guests were treated to a Fundraising Dinner
Banquet and Awards Ceremony for the day’s best golf play. Introducing the evening program, Natasha Despotovic, GFDD Executive Director, thanked everyone for coming and for their continued support for the initiatives undertaken by GFDD – both in the Dominican Republic and the United States. Ms. Despotovic said she was extremely happy with the turnout and with the generosity of the golfers. "We are encouraged by the generous response GFDD has received with
this fundraiser and hope that our future golf tournaments can drive the same enthusiasm and positive support." She enthusiastically continued. "We hope you keep supporting us and that you will become members of our large, worldwide community."

She acknowledged the involvement of Dr. Fernández and Mr. Marichal in the Tournament and also extended special gratitude to Mr. Rudy Fuertes, Head of the GFDD Golf Tournament Organizing Committee.
Referring to Mr. Fuertes as the "the soul and spirit behind the golf tournament," Despotovic thanked him for his dedication to the success of this event and to the Foundation in general.

Following Ms. Despotovic’s address, Mr. Fuertes personally thanked donors for their meaningful contributions, which make it possible for GFDD to continue developing initiatives that benefit Dominicans both in the DR and the United States. He emphasized that the
work of GFDD is of great relevance to the corporations represented at the event.

"I would like to encourage you all to participate, like I have, in the activities and programs that GFDD is developing in the Dominican Republic, here and around the world," expressed Fuertes, who is continually involved with GFDD programs both in the US and DR.

He described his experience and involvement with the second edition of the Dominican Republic
Environmental Film Festival. "The Dominican Republic Environmental Film Festival educates the country on how to become green. But all these programs and initiatives have a cost," stated Fuertes, "and without your contributions, all this would not be possible. So I encourage all of you to help us help these Foundations to be able to continue to carry out these great programs and projects."

Prior to the announcement of the Tournament
winners, GFDD collaborators had the opportunity to watch the Foundation’s institutional video and learn about the GFDD’s core programs, to which donors have generously contributed.

Former Dominican president and Honorary President of the Foundation, Dr. Leonel Fernández, hosted the awards ceremony along with Juan Marichal and Natasha Despotovic, as Carlos Arias Technical Director of Fresh Meadows Country Club handed out the trophies, including
the 2013 GFDD CUP to the team with the best net and gross scores.

GFDD and FUNGLODE were honored to host world famous Dominican artist Jose Ignacio Morales, known as "El
artistico," from Romano, Dominican Republic. Mr. Morales is a designer of extraordinary metal sculptures and decorative objects, often from recycled metal. Morales, also an educator and humanitarian, came to New York to support the proceedings and GFDD’s fundraising efforts. To the delight of the winners, Mr. Morales designed and made the trophies – making them even more valuable!

These stunning Trophies, which were presented by Dr. Leonel Fernandez,
and Carlos Arias, went to tournament winners who all shot well under Fresh Meadow’s challenging par 70. Manuel Torres and Jose Almonte came first place with the low score of 52. Mario Jose Hidalgo and Chio Jimenez took 2nd place with a score of 57; Dean Coby and Javier Cabrera shot 57 for 3rd place; Marc Berman and Javier Stevez came in 4th with 58 and Cesar Ramirez and Javier Gomez shot a 58 for 5th place.

The winners of the prestigous 2013 GFDD CUP went to the
team comprised of Ricardo Bonett and Alex Rodriguez Special prizes were also awarded for closest to reach the pin for the best gross score of 66.

GFDD would like to thank their sponsors, including: ACE Advertisement, Anheuser-Busch, Cafe Rubio, CBA, Derle Farms, Edwin Travel, Frito Lay, Haagen Dazs, Key Foods, Missioon, NSA President Porkis, R Best Team, Dr. Tapia A. & E Group, Advanced Sales, Bimbo Bakeries, Carolina Rice, Compare Foods, Dominican Team,
Fine Fare, General Trading Co (Gold sponsor), Hispanic Indoor Media, Latin American, Nebraska Land (Gold sponsor), Ozone Refrigeration, QB Car Wash, SV Produce Tomra Javier Gomez (hole 4), Jose Almonte (hole 7), James Espinela (hole 11), Oswald Rodriguez (hole 13), Andres Marranzini (hole 15), Mariano Diaz (hole 9) and Juan Alicea (hole 18).