REE ALARIO MEMORIAL GOLF CLASSIC SETS SIGHTS ON $1 MILLION IN TOTAL DONATIONS FOR ST. MICHAEL SPECIAL SCHOOL

Today, event organizers of the Ree Alario Memorial Golf Classic announced a push to surpass $1 million in cumulative donations to St. Michael Special School during the tournament’s 20^th anniversary to be held on October 1, 2025.

Founded in 2006 and sponsored by AT&T, the tournament has raised $963,000 to date for St. Michael Special School. This year’s goal is to clear the million-dollar mark and solidify the event’s two-decade legacy of impact. The announcement was made in partnership with former State Senate President John Alario and current State President Cameron Henry, both longtime supporters of the event.

“It’s an honor to come together to celebrate 20 years of the Ree Alario Memorial Golf Classic and the meaningful cause this tournament supports,” said Senate President Cameron Henry. “St. Michael Special School has touched the lives of countless individuals and families in our community, and we remain committed to carrying on this tradition in Ree Alario’s memory.”

"St. Michael Special School is very important to my family and me," said former State Senate President John Alario. "Thanks to the annual Ree Alario Memorial Golf Classic, we've been able to raise nearly $1 million for this organization to continue providing a space for the developmentally disabled to learn and grow. Ree would be so proud of how far we've come."

“AT&T is proud to stand alongside the Alario family, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, and so many community partners in supporting St. Michael Special School, said David Aubrey, President, AT&T Louisiana. “For twenty years, this tournament has shown what’s possible when people come together with a shared purpose. Reaching the one-million-dollar milestone will be a remarkable tribute to Ree Alario’s legacy and a lasting investment in the students and families who count on St. Michael’s every day."

Held annually at TPC Louisiana, the Ree Alario Memorial Classic is a golf tournament in which 100% of the net proceeds benefit St. Michael Special School. The school’s mission is to help each student reach their potential through robust experiences which lead to academic, social, spiritual, personal and vocational maturity needed for success in their daily lives.

“Every dollar from this tournament moves our mission forward,” said Cissy LaForge, St. Michael Special School’s Head of School. “Our students are scholars, artists, athletes, friends, and future employees; your support helps each child grow academically, socially, spiritually, personally, and vocationally so they can step confidently into our community.”

The tournament is named in honor of John Alario’s first wife, Alba "Ree" Williamson Alario. Ree was a strong supporter of St. Michael Special School, as the couple’s daughter, Jan Marie, is developmentally disabled and attends the school for her education.

“Twenty years ago, this tournament set out to make a measurable difference for St. Michael Special School, and we’ve done that year after year,” said Jay Cicero, President & CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. “Now we’re taking a straight line to one million dollars total donation. Crossing the $1 million mark reflects the sustained support for students and families who count on St. Michael’s every single day.”

Registration for the tournament is now open. The Classic is a shotgun tournament with two flights at 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and features complimentary food and beverage throughout the day, beginning with breakfast at 7:00 a.m. The TPC Louisiana clubhouse will be open for participants seeking a quiet break between activities.

Staff and students of St. Michael Special School are annual participants in the event, volunteering along the course. Students also bring special crafts that they create during the school year to display and sell throughout the day.

For more information and to register for the tournament, please visit gnosports.com/reealariomemorialclassic.