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One of eleven Dr. Joseph and Alexandra Kazickas' grandchildren, Jack Kazickas, chooses two organizations that focus on children and youth. One of his philanthropy choices, the First Tee of Metropolitan, empowers minority and under-privileged youth to become successful citizens, while another choice, the St. Baldrick's Foundation, gives kids their best chance at happy childhood, free of cancer.
Golf always played an important role in the Kazickas Family. Jack inherited his grandfather's or Tevelis' (as all grandchildren kindly call him) passion. "I chose to donate to the First Tee of Metropolitan New York because I wanted to make a contribution to a cause that is located near me here in New York City. Golf is my favorite activity and a passion that I share with my father and family," shares Jack. "As a young boy, I loved golfing with my grandfather. I have long been interested and impressed by the work of the First Tee. Through golf, the organization works toward the development of young people by promoting the values of the game - integrity, honesty, respect, and perseverance. I personally can attest to the great things the game of golf can do for a young person; as a child, the game taught me many important principles - patience, focus, integrity - that helped shape who I am today. These are the same principles that Tevelis taught his children and grandchildren. I am very interested in programs that focus on the development of young people, and look forward to being further involved in the First Tee of Metro New York."
Jack's second choice, the St. Baldrick's Foundation, encouraged him to take a "bold' step and shave his head in order to help thousands of children fighting cancer. "I chose to donate to the St. Baldrick's Foundation because I wanted to support an organization that is focused on helping children," writes Jack. "St. Baldrick’s works by having volunteers shave their heads in order to raise money for children’s cancer research. Since its founding in 2000, it has become the largest volunteer-powered, donor centered fundraising program for childhood cancer research. I took part in a St. Baldrick’s event in college, and it was incredible to see how willing people were to donate to a cause that is about helping sick children. St. Baldrick’s is a focused and successful charity and I am confident my donation is going to a good cause."
Top photo: Jack Kazickas with Tevelis Joseph Kazickas in East Hampton, 2011.
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Photos: Jack Kazickas' archives