After six months of meticulous planning, coordination, and anticipation, the 5th Annual Jerome Bettis Blue & Gold Celebrity Golf Classic has officially wrapped—and what a celebration it was. From record-breaking fundraising to star-studded tee times, 2025 marked the most unforgettable year yet for this one-of-a-kind experience. We are proud to share that we raised over $415,000 to benefit the Jerome Bettis Bus Stops Here Foundation, pushing us closer to our mission of empowering under-resourced youth through education, technology, and opportunity.
DAY ONE: A WINDY START AT THE MAIDSTONE CLUB
The event teed off Monday at the historic Maidstone Club in East Hampton, where gusty winds added an extra challenge to an already elite golf course. But that didn’t stop our guests, sponsors, and celebrity players from bringing their A-game—and their best attitudes. It was a day filled with laughter, competitive spirit, and meaningful connections as participants played alongside NFL legends and all-star athletes.
The setting couldn’t have been more picturesque. With sweeping ocean views and centuries-old club traditions, Maidstone provided the perfect backdrop for the energy and excitement that has become synonymous with the Blue & Gold Classic.
WELCOME PARTY: AN EVENING TO REMEMBER AT CANOE PLACE INN
On Monday evening, we gathered at the stunning Canoe Place Inn for our official Welcome Party. Guests were greeted with delicious food, specialty cocktails, and the warm hospitality that sets this event apart. It was more than just a party—it was a moment to exhale, to reconnect, and to celebrate the shared purpose that brings us all together each year.
Jerome Bettis welcomed the crowd with heartfelt remarks about the power of community and why this mission is so personal to him. From lively music to meaningful conversations, the evening set the tone for two days of both fun and fundraising.
DAY TWO: SUNSHINE AND SCORING LOW AT SEBONACK
By Tuesday, the skies cleared and the breeze settled just in time for us to tee off at the world-renowned Sebonack Golf Club. The conditions were nothing short of spectacular—sunny skies, manicured fairways, and the kind of camaraderie that you can only find when purpose meets passion.
As foursomes made their way through the course, it became clear that this wasn’t just a golf outing; it was an experience. The chance to golf shoulder to shoulder with legends of the game made the day unforgettable for participants and pros alike. The scenic course, with its sweeping views of Peconic Bay, delivered in every way imaginable.
OUR ALL-STAR LINEUP: LEGENDS ON THE LINKS
Each year, we are humbled by the remarkable talent that turns out to support our cause—and 2025 raised the bar. From Pro Football Hall of Famers to MLB and NBA legends, this year’s celebrity roster delivered unforgettable moments and jaw-dropping shots on every hole:
- Jerome Bettis
- Jason Kelce
- Dwight Freeney
- Tim Brown
- Kordell Stewart
- Marcus Allen
- Richard Dent
- Marshall Faulk
- Eric Dickerson
- Merril Hoge
- Derrick Mayes
- Vince Coleman
- Victor Green
- Jason Williams
- Calvin Johnson
- Alex Thomas
- Aaron Hicks
- Shane Victorino
- Derrick Brooks
- Patrick Peterson
- Justin Tuck
- Courtney Lee
- Jason Williams
Having this level of talent on the course is more than exciting—it’s what makes the Blue & Gold Classic so unique. Attendees don’t just watch greatness—they play alongside it.
POWERED BY SPONSORS: THE BACKBONE OF THE CLASSIC
A heartfelt thank you goes out to every sponsor who made this event possible. Their generosity allows us to provide an elevated experience while staying true to our mission of investing in communities that need us most. We are incredibly grateful to the following partners:
- Erik Obrakta & NPSG Global
- Delta Air Lines
- Goated Golf
- Rahul Patel
- ICON International
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- Fanatics
- Bill McClain & MBC Staffing
- Ryan T. Kesner Architect
- Fred Carrillo
- Tom O’Brien
- CNX
- 84 Lumber
- SNA Displays
- Doug Robinson
- The K Fund
- Tommy Bahama
- M&A Resource
- Yeti
- Loverboy
- Links Drink
- Via Carota Craft Cocktails
- Eli Lunzer Productions
- Penson
Your commitment and passion helped us create something extraordinary—and we’re just getting started.
BEYOND THE FAIRWAY: THE REAL IMPACT
While the views and the VIPs are unforgettable, it’s the mission that gives the Blue & Gold Classic its heart. The funds raised go directly to programs that promote digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and educational equity for kids in under-resourced communities. Through the Bus Stops Here Foundation CyberBus initiative, we are bringing computer science and coding directly to the neighborhoods that need it most. And thanks to the support, we’re expanding even further.
This event is a celebration of what’s possible when generosity meets purpose. Every dollar raised helps create brighter futures—and every participant plays a role in that transformation.
LOOKING AHEAD: WHERE TO NEXT?
One of the unique elements of the Blue & Gold Classic is our commitment to exploring new destinations. When we launched this tournament, Jerome challenged us to move it every two years so guests could play at some of the most prestigious courses in the country—and that’s a challenge we’ve taken to heart.
With The Maidstone Club and Sebonack Golf Club now part of our incredible history, the search begins again. Where should we go next? Sage Valley? Oakmont? Whistling Straits? Shadow Creek? The possibilities are endless.
We invite YOU to be a part of that decision. Share your favorite courses with us, and let’s continue to grow this incredible tradition together.
IN CLOSING: TWO DAYS TO REMEMBER
To every player, sponsor, volunteer, and fan: thank you. Your energy, generosity, and belief in our mission made the 5th Annual Blue & Gold Classic our most successful yet. We’ll carry this momentum into another year of impact, inspiration, and innovation through the Jerome Bettis Bus Stops Here Foundation.
Until next time—keep swinging with purpose.