Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post recently announced their annual Swing for Kids Tournament honoring three generations of the Klar Family, Henry Klar (in memoriam), Steven Klar and Ashton Klar. The tournament will be held Thursday, June 6, at The Creek Club in Locust Valley.
In addition to presenting world-class performances to the Long Island community, Tilles Center is proud to educate and engage tens of thousands of children and adult learners throughout Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens counties each year through its vast array of arts education programs. Tilles Center’s 28th annual Swing for Kids Tournament helps fund these integral arts education initiatives.
“Our highly acclaimed arts education programs are designed to Inspire, Enrich and Empower children and adult learners,” said William Biddle, executive director of the Tilles Center. We work hard to make the arts accessible to all audiences, with a particular focus on high-needs communities. We are thrilled to honor the Klar Family for their ongoing support of arts education.”
“On behalf of myself and my family, I am deeply honored to be this years’ Swing for Kids honoree. To aid in the mission of Tilles Center’s arts education programs, which help enlighten thousands of children throughout Long Island and Queens, is very special,” added Steven Klar. “My hope is we will have the most successful event in the event’s 28 year history.”
Henry Klar was a lawyer, realtor and pioneer in Long Island’s suburban growth. He was a member of Pine Hollow Country Club for more than 25 years, and Woodlands Country Club in Fort Lauderdale for the last 30 years of his life. Although not a great golfer himself, for more than 20 years Henry traveled around the world on luxury cruise ships as golf director. He improved peoples’ swings and putting while not showing his own somewhat retracted swing.
One of his joys in golf was winning “Best Ball Foursome” in 1996 at Tilles Center’s Swing for Kids Tournament at The Creek while playing with his son Steven. He was married to his wife Gloria for more than 60 years.
Steven Klar, a lawyer, builder and real estate developer for more than 40 years, has been intricately involved with Tilles Center for the last 30 years. He sits on Tilles Center’s Council of Overseers and has served Long Island University as a member of the board of trustees for 16 years. He is the founder of The Klar Leadership Academy at the University of Toledo and The Hofstra School of Medicine Klar Family Leadership Program. While not an exceptional golfer, he has instilled in his son, Ashton, an affinity for the game. Ashton has been playing since he was 2 ½ years old, and has exceptional hand/eye coordination and a natural swing, which have been turning heads on the driving range for many years.
He started playing at Glen Oaks Club, where his family has had a membership for the last 25 years, and now plays on the Travel League at Nassau Country Club. Kathy Klar, a loving wife and mother, happily supports her family on and off the golf course. The Klar Family has a deep appreciation for the arts and the important role Tilles Center plays in educating Long Island’s youth.
For more information on the Tilles Center annual Swing for Kids Tournament benefiting Arts Education, visit www.tillescenter.org/swingforkids.
