Chess Players Fight Drug Abuse(November 15, 2000)
The event was not only fun, but it turned out to be very successful. First estimates show donations just short of $100,000! Even better news: it appears that Gary is going to put this event on his schedule for next year! Mentor will be working with Manhattan Chess Club to design next years format for this wonderful extravaganza. "It is my understanding that Mentor already has financial sponsorship for next years event in excess of $125,000, which is wonderful, but we are hoping to push that number north of $250,000" says David Soares, Treasurer of Manhattan Chess Club. (written by David Soares)
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On November 15,
Gary Kasparov, World Chess Champion from 1985-2000 and still the highest FIDE
rated player of all time, played an simultaneous exhibition match against 21
boards at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City. Many of the boards
had 2 -4 players consulting for moves. 
Many of Kasparov's
challengers were school-aged members of the prestigious Manhattan Chess Club.
As members they have been participating in the growing group chess classes offered
by the club and so were asked to represent Manhattan Chess Club in this wonderful
chance to play Kasparov, who many regard as, the strongest player of all time.
Did you know that Bobby Fisher was also a member of the club, as is the
current US Champion Joel Benjamin? 
Since the main
theme of the event was to have fun, while raising money for a great cause, all
of Gary's challengers were rated no higher than 2000 USCF, according to International
Master, Saudin Robovic. Even though many of the players were under 12-years
old, competition on some of the boards was fierce. On board One, representing
Manhattan Chess Club, 9 year old Max Rothstein (1465) teamed up with 5 year
old Connor Jacobson (unrated) to give Gary his only potential scare of the night.
The event was hosted
by Mentor Foundation, a not-for profit organization, with headquarters
in Sweden, Germany, UK & USA. With its main focus on drug prevention amongst
teens, Mentor funds projects in schools, youth groups and in the streets
in over 45 countries. Currently they are funding 2 projects in New York City:
CASASTART, a program involving support for 'high risk' youths from a community
approach; and Streetwork Parenting Project, which provides counseling, support
& even medical aid to young parents with drug problems. "Mentor is a
professional organization that does wonderful things for New York City's youth"
says Jeffrey Kosack, Chairman of Manhattan Chess Club. He adds, "with Gary Kasparov
on their Board of Directors, it is only natural for Manhattan Chess Club to
work with Mentor in any way possible". 