Benefit for Fallen Marine is Three Teams Short

Brian Monahan, 23, didn't have much time to organize his first fundraiser when he went looking for teams last month for a flag football tournament in memory of his friend and fellow Marine, David R. Baker, 22, who was .

He and his childhood best friend, Steve Kornreich, 23, had aimed for a bracket of 16 teams, but the tournament is less than 48 hours away and the total stands at 13.

"We had two teams back out," said Monahan, who is donating all the proceeds from the event to a scholarship in Baker's name at his high school in Ohio, and to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Monahan said all that is required for a team is between five and seven players who are at least 18 years of age and a registration fee of $250, all of which goes directly to the Wounded Warrior Project. The fee can be paid in cash or by check.

The tournament starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday and will run to about 4 p.m., Monahan said. Food from and drinks from New York City-based Teany Beverages will be sold for the charities as well. 

There will also be a variety of donated gift baskets raffled off.

The tournament will be followed by a trophy ceremony, said Monahan. He and Kornreich hope to turn the fundraiser into an annual event that will continue to help veterans and honor Baker's memory in years to come.

Teams and referees should be on the field one half-hour prior to the start of the tournament.

Any potential team's head coach can contact Monahan at 516-353-8072 by 8 p.m. Friday and be registered.