New York Giants' Justin Tuck's Annual Celebrity Billiards Tournament Presented By RXR Set For Success

Benefiting Tuck's R.U.S.H. for Literacy and the United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund

NEW YORK, May 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- New York Giants All-Pro defensive end and two-time Super Bowl champion Justin Tuck will host his annual Tuck's Celebrity Billiard's Tournament presented by RXR, a leading New York Tri-State real estate operating company, on Thursday, May 30 at Slate NYC. This premier fundraiser is sponsored by one of the leading real estate operating companies in the New York Tri-State Area, and has been a signature event in Manhattan's philanthropic scene for the past four years. Emceed by renowned actor Anthony Anderson, the exclusive competition features over 35 celebrities shooting for the title and the Grand Prize Luxury Package in support of the Pro Bowler's main charity platform: Tuck's R.U.S.H. for Literacy.

In 2008, a passion to encourage children to READ, UNDERSTAND, SUCCEED, and HOPE led Lauran and Justin Tuck to start Tuck's R.U.S.H. for Literacy. This initiative has provided 10,000 students in the Tri-State and Central Alabama communities with new books and materials to embrace literacy. Not only have the Tuck's donated over 55,000 books and raised over $1.5 million dollars since founding the organization, but they have also supported other high-performing non-profit organizations for underserved youth with over $150,000 in grants. This year, in addition to benefiting Tuck's R.U.S.H. for Literacy, the Tucks will be donating $25,000 from the Celebrity Billiards' net proceeds to the United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund.

The single elimination 8-ball challenge tournament has attracted an array of actors, recording artists, models, professional athletes, and reality stars to Slate NYC. In the last four years, supporters of Tuck's R.U.S.H. for Literacy have included Spike Lee (Actor), John Legend (Musician), Padma Lakshmi (Model), Cedric the Entertainer (Actor and Comedian), Victor Cruz (NY Giants), Eli Manning (NY Giants), Adam Schefter (ESPN), Angie Martinez (Radio Personality), Jeanette "Black Widow" Lee (Professional Pool Player), Mark Sanchez (NY Jets), and Michael Strahan (NY Giants Legend), among others.

"Through the Billiards Tournament, Tuck's R.U.S.H. for Literacy has reached significant milestones in the advancement of childhood education," said Tuck. "We are honored that our friends, celebrities, and sponsors continue to come back to support our cause. This year is especially special for Lauran and me, as we have partnered with the United Way to support Hurricane Sandy Relief. The New York and New Jersey communities have always supported us, and we hope that our efforts will continue to aid those schools and families still recovering from the storm."

RXR Chairman and CEO Scott Rechler added, "It is an incredible honor to be a part of Tuck's Celebrity Billiards Tournament for its fifth consecutive year. Lauran and Justin's decision to expand their charity to those affected by Superstorm Sandy furthers our commitment and dedication to this important initiative."

This event will be managed by the American Poolplayers Association. Tables and teams are available for the event, as well as individual tickets; portion of team, table and ticket sales are tax deductible. For more information on participation, interested parties can visit www.justintuck.com or email [email protected].

For media information, interview requests, or red carpet RSVPs please contact Rebecca Otto at Octagon Football: [email protected]or 512-791-3149.

About Justin Tuck and Tuck's R.U.S.H. for Literacy
Drafted by the New York Giants in 2005, Justin Tuck is a two-time NFL Pro Bowl and two-time Super Bowl Champion. The All-Pro defensive captain recorded his best performance during Super Bowl XLVI, and his defensive dominance helped lead the Giants to victory over the New England Patriots in their second Super Bowl Appearance in five years. Tuck's R.U.S.H. for Literacy, a program founded by Lauran and Justin Tuck in 2008, encourages children to READ, UNDERSTAND, SUCCEED and HOPE as they continue to nurture literacy in their lives. The initiative is committed to raising funds to donate books and other reading materials to enrich youth in the Tri-State and Central Alabama communities. In 2012, the Celebrity Billiards Tournament raised $450,000, pushing Tuck's R.U.S.H. for Literacy over the $1.5 million fundraising mark. For more information, please visit www.justintuck.com.

About RXR Realty
RXR Realty LLC ("RXR") is a vertically integrated, private real estate company with expertise in investment management, property management, development, design, construction, leasing and financing.  RXR's core growth strategy is focused on New York City and the surrounding tri-state area markets.  RXR Realty is one of the largest owners, managers, and developers in the Tri-State Area with interests in approximately $5.5 billion of assets, comprised of 107 operating properties containing approximately 18.0 million square feet. 

SOURCE Tuck's R.U.S.H. for Literacy