Third Annual Birdies for Breast Cancer fundraiser a huge success due to Kerr, corporate sponsors, and event participants.
CORAL GABLES, FL -December 19, 2005 — A record-breaking $100,000 was raised at this year’s UpLink Birdies for Breast Cancer Charity Golf Classic, hosted by Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) star Cristie Kerr. This annual event took place on December 3, 2005 at the Reunion Resort & Club outside of Orlando, Florida. Kerr’s charity foundation, Birdies for Breast Cancer, is proud to distribute the proceeds to the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute, newly dedicated Kathryn Krickstein Pressel Memorial Fund of the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Other events that took place surrounding the fundraiser included Cristie Kerr and fellow LPGA player Brittany Lincicome signing pink hats at the Tampa Bay Lightning game on Friday, December 2nd to raise money for the Moffitt Breast Cancer Fund. Star amateur golfer who recently turned pro, Morgan Pressel, received the annual Birdies for Breast Cancer CoURagE Award and the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute dedicated the Kathryn Krickstein Pressel Memorial Fund to celebrate the life and memory of Morgan’s mother who died of breast cancer. Twelve-year old junior golfer Dakoda Dowd was named the junior spokesperson for Birdies with Breast Cancer by Kerr. Dakoda’s mother, Kelly Jo Dowd has been diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.
"This year’s event was a huge success on many different levels. We put forth a lot of energy to raise money toward breast cancer research programs," said Cristie Kerr, host of the UpLink Birdies for Breast Cancer Charity Golf Classic and founder of the Birdies for Breast Cancer program. "I am confident that our continual efforts along with our wonderful corporate sponsors can make an overall impact to be one step closer to a cure for breast cancer."
Kerr along with Birdies for Breast Cancer was joined by Title sponsor UpLink Corporation and Presenting sponsor Allen Partners. "As a Cancer Survivor myself, I have tremendous respect for anyone who has a commitment for this cause," said Glenn Pierce, President and CEO of UpLink Corporation. "Cristie Kerr is a perfectionist in her personal and professional life. It was a very easy and exciting decision for UpLink Corporation to be part of this world-class event and have the privilege to be involved with Cristie. We have already decided to be the title sponsor for next year."
Other participating sponsors included American Airlines, Anheuser-Busch, Audemars Piguet, Aviator Sports, Chrysler-Jeep, Coca-Cola, Energy Capital Partners, Lacoste, Panera Bread, Waugh Cellars and XL Generation.
The UpLink Birdies for Breast Cancer Charity Golf Classic had 200 guests, including LPGA players as well as other professional athletes and known celebrities. Guests included LPGA golfers Brittany Lincicome, Michelle McGann, Leta Lindley, Kim Williams, Patricia Meunier-Lebouc, Patricia Baxter-Johnson, Karen Stupples and Jan Stephenson; golfers from the Big Break series on The Golf Channel Thomas Blankvoort and Don Donatello, NHL player Vincent Lecavalier, former NHL player Brian Mullen, former NFL player Wesley Walker, actor Michael O’Keefe (Caddyshack’s Danny), and golf trick shot artist Buddy Shelton.
About Birdies for Breast Cancer
Cristie Kerr founded Birdies for Breast Cancer, Inc., a Florida-based not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. Having been deeply affected by her mother’s painful struggle to recovery, Cristie wanted to do whatever she could to fight the disease. Birdies for Breast Cancer was formed for the purpose of supporting breast cancer research. Cristie donates $50 for every birdie she makes on Tour and raises money from individuals and corporations who pledge donations for every birdie she records on Tour.
Over $225,000 has been raised since Birdies for Breast Cancer was established in 2003. Past beneficiaries of Birdies for Breast Cancer include The Breast Cancer Research Foundation; Jeannes Hospital, part of the Temple University Health Sciences System; Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation of Greater New York City; and now the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute.
Birdies for Breast Cancer has teamed up with Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge), a grassroots organization dedicated to raising funds to fight breast cancer, and creating and promoting awareness of breast cancer through sporting and lifestyle events. Play for P.I.N.K.’s commitment is to contribute 100% of all funds raised to its partner, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Play for P.I.N.K., Birdies for Breast Cancer and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation are proud to share the same vision: Find prevention and a cure in our lifetime. For more information on how you can help fight breast cancer, please visit www.birdiesforbreastcancer.com, www.playforpink.org, or www.bcrfcure.org.
About Cristie Kerr
In the increasingly popular sport of golf, Cristie Kerr has emerged as one of the game’s premier female athletes. After an extraordinary amateur career Kerr joined the LPGA Tour, where she quickly ascended to the upper echelon of the sport.
Kerr has had a stellar season in 2005, including two victories at the Michelob ULTRA Open and the Wendy’s Championship for Children, as well as ten top-ten finishes. In addition, Kerr was the top points-earner to compete in her third Solheim Cup matches, where she posted two wins to help the U.S. take back the Cup from Europe. Kerr has successfully passed the $5 million mark in career earnings, placing her at #18 on this lifetime achievement.
Contact:
Christine J. Lay
212.719.3891
claydo@verizon.net
