Philadelphia (September 2000)--The Jerry Segal Classic proved why it is the region's most successful one-day golf charity event. On Friday, September 22, the Classic raised $400,000 for the patients of Magee Rehabilitation Hospital. Patients, volunteers and area celebrities joined The Friends of Jerry Segal at the Green Valley and Meadowlands country clubs to support Magee.

This year’s amount pushed the eleven-year total well over the $2 million mark, with all proceeds going to programs and services for Magee's patients. The 280 golfers took full advantage of the beautiful weather. Clear blue skies, brilliant sunshine and a soft breeze provided the perfect golfing climate.

Along with Jerry Segal, other well known personalities greeting and teeing off with golfers at Green Valley included Channel 6 anchor Scott Palmer, Philadelphia Flyers Hall of Famer Bernie Parent, Philadelphia 76ers owner Pat Croce and WIP sportscaster Howard Eskin. Channel 3 anchor Ukee Washington joined 76ers Hall of Famer Bill Cunningham in greeting golfers at the first tee at Meadowlands.

Former Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell was on hand to auction off exclusive raffle prizes to the 500 guests at the dinner program. Mr. Rendell has served as the Classic’s Honorary Chairman since 1992, and has encouraged and inspired many of the patients helped by the Classic to regain their independence and achieve educational and career goals.

Events before and at the Segal Classic attracted a great deal of media attention. TV 29 and TV 6 came out to the Extreme Philadelphia driving range on September 15 for the “hitting off the tee” event that began Segal Classic Week. On Classic Day, Comcast Sportsnet and Channel 6 interviewed Jerry Segal and filmed proceedings at Green Valley. WIP sportscasters Glen Macknow and Anthony Gargano broadcasted their 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. sports talk show live from Green Valley.

Over the years, Classic funds have provided for everything from the construction of the one-of-a-kind Jerry and Carolyn Segal Center for Community Skills on Magee's rooftop, to adaptive and therapeutic equipment for the Hospital and for patients in need.

The Segal Classic has also funded the purchase of three wheelchair-accessible buses to transport patients, 16,000 meals from the Friends and Family Meals Program for patients' families and friends, and the Edward G. Rendell Community Re-Entry Scholarship Program that helps patients with brain and spinal cord injuries reenter the community. Classic funds have also provided for the development of a computer training center for people with disabilities, new televisions and free TV service for all patients, renovations to patients' rooms and the spinal cord injury floor, a community center for stroke patients, and much more.