The Red Bandanna Golf Classic is a charity golf tournament honoring Welles Crowther, a 9/11 civilian hero.  This special event is being held to commemorate the 10^th anniversary of Sept 11^th and Welles’ heroic actions that day.  The Golf classic will allow family, friends, classmates, and others touched by Welles’ story to come together in remembrance of Welles, have fun, hit a few golf balls and raise funds for the Trust.

Welles Crowther was a 1995 graduate of Nyack High School and a high honor roll student for 4 years.  He played varsity lacrosse and soccer and was ice hockey captain for the Indians.  Welles was a 1999 graduate of Boston College and played 4 years of varsity lacrosse for the Eagles.

Welles was an equities trader for Sandler O’Neill & Partners in the World Trade Center.  He was also a fully trained volunteer firefighter, a member of Empire Hook and Ladder Co., No. 1, in Upper Nyack, New York. On September 11th when the attacks on the World Trade Center began, Welles was no longer an equities trader.  He became a firefighter.

Months after September 11^th, Welles’ heroic acts came to light.  Welles used the last hour of his life to save others.  He wore his red bandanna, one which he always kept in his back pocket, to cover his nose and mouth as protection against smoke and dust while he carried and directed others to safety.

Welles is remembered now around the world as “The Man in the Red Bandanna”; his story inspiring many people of all ages, backgrounds and nationalities.

The Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust was established by the Crowther family to honor their son’s memory through good works benefiting young people.  The Trust makes annual gifts and special awards and also supports other not-for-profit organizations dedicated to benefitting youth.  The mission of the trust is to help young people become exemplary adults through education, health, character development and recreation.

The Red Bandanna Classic’s Guest of Honor, Lee Ielpi, FDNY Ret., was a 26 year, highly decorated firefighter, who lost his son, Jonathan, FDNY Squad 288, in the attacks at Ground Zero.  Lee carried his son from Ground Zero on December 11, 2001 and continued to work tirelessly on the rescue and recovery effort until the final days.  Lee is Founder and President of Tribute WTC Visitors Center at Ground Zero and is a founding member and President of the September 11^th Families’ Association.

Years later, Jeff Crowther met Lee Ielpi when visiting the 9/11 Family Center located near Ground Zero.  It was then Jeff learned that Lee Ielpi was with the group of men who recovered Welles from Ground Zero on Tuesday, March 19, 2002.

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