SILVIS, Illinois (Dec. 17, 2008) – A group of 10 civic-minded local Chevy dealers have volunteered to provide transportation to the John Deere Classic during tournament week, tournament officials announced today.
The group also will donate a new Chevy Malibu as the 2009 Birdies for Charity grand prize, which will be awarded to the person who correctly guesses the number of birdies made at the 2009 John Deere Classic.
The 10 local Chevy dealers agreed to participate after learning the previous transportation sponsor had withdrawn from the tournament.
“The John Deere Classic is very appreciative that 10 local Chevy dealers have stepped up and provided their vehicles during tournament week,” said John Deere Classic tournament director Clair Peterson. “That they have done so with such enthusiasm during some very difficult economic times for the auto industry is a testament to their generosity and to their understanding of how important the John Deere Classic is to this community. This year alone, the John Deere Classic helped generate $4.7 million for 500 charities in the area.”
The vehicles for the most part will be driven by PGA Tour pros competing in the event, Peterson said. Consumers will have the opportunity to purchase these vehicles after the tournament from participating Chevy dealers. A certificate signed by the pros will be provided with every vehicle sold.
“Our local Chevy dealer group welcomes this opportunity to support one of the most prestigious events in our region,” said Jill Green, president of the group., speaking for the John Deere Classic Information on all 10 Chevy dealers participating in the sponsorship is available at selectchevy.com, the group’s website.
Peterson pointed to the local dealers’ action as an example of why the PGA Tour recently gave the John Deere Classic a “Best Of” award for “Most Engaged Community” for the support it receives from the local community.
The 10 participating Chevy dealers (selectchevy.com) that are providing the vehicles are”
– Deery Brothers, West Burlington, IA
– Eriksen Chevrolet, Milan, IL
– Green Chevrolet, East Moline, IL
– Lujack Chevrolet, Davenport, IA
– MeEleney Autocenter, Clinton, IA
– Mills Chevrolet, Moline, IL
– Piehl Motors, Princeton, IL
– Shottenkirk Mt. Pleasant, Mt. Pleasant, IA
– Sterling Chevrolet, Sterling, IL
Yemm Chevrolet, Galesburg, IL
The 2009 John Deere Classic is set for July 6-12 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill. PGA Tour veteran Kenny Perry is the defending champion. Perry’s victory at the 2008 John Deere Classic was the 12th PGA Tour victory of his career for the 48-year-old Kentuckian, who later went on to star at the Ryder Cup.
The John Deere Classic, which includes Birdies for Charity, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in the John Deere Classic tournament offices, 15623 Coaltown Road, East Moline, IL. Since 1993, the tournament has raised $23.4 million for charity.
Contact:
Barry Cronin
Cronin Communications, Inc.
847-698-1801
bcronin@cronincommunications.com
Gwen Tombergs
Director of Marketing
Lujack Chevrolet
563-343-2058
