Eagles Including Donovan McNabb to Participate in Event Benefitting Thomas’ Charity Foundation
(DELAND, Fla.) – Joined by an all-star cast of Philadelphia Eagles teammates, DeLand native Tra Thomas will host his inaugural “The Wall” Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament at Victoria Hills Golf Club – the award-winning Ron Garl-designed course managed by Billy Casper Golf and located in Victoria Park, a St. Joe community – on Friday, March 13.
Thomas, an 11-year NFL veteran and three-time Pro Bowl selection at offensive tackle, will welcome Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, running back Brian Westbrook, defensive backs Lito Sheppard and Asante Samuel, wide receiver DeSean Jackson, defensive end Darren Howard and many more Eagles to the event. Funds will benefit Thomas’s newly formed “The Wall” Foundation, which provides opportunities for youths to develop social, professional and life skills.
Anyone may enter the tournament; cost is $250 per individual player, with each foursome joined by a celebrity golfer. Prizes will be awarded to winners of the team competition as well as putting and chipping contests. A 9:30 a.m. (EST) shotgun start is scheduled, with lunch at Mulligan’s Tavern & Grille and silent and live auctions following golf. The general public is welcome to attend.
The outing is part of “The Wall” Foundation’s four-day kickoff celebration, March 12-15 in DeLand, featuring a football camp with the Eagles, a basketball game pitting Thomas and friends against local police and firemen, and a community picnic and barbeque. Sponsorship packages are available for any and all events, with the Foundation receiving the proceeds.
“We’re thrilled that Tra Thomas chose Victoria Hills to host this special tournament,” says Matt Payne, Head Professional at Victoria Hills. “Fans will get a chance to watch and even play with some of the NFL’s biggest stars, while the local community reaps meaningful rewards.”
Thomas was a standout at DeLand High School and played collegiately at Florida State University. Drafted by the Eagles in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft, he quickly earned a place among the game’s elite left tackles. Thomas has played in 166 games, second most ever by an Eagles offensive lineman, and was selected as a starter on the franchise’s 75th anniversary team.
Other Eagles scheduled to participate in the tournament include Correll Buckhalter, Greg Lewis, Jamaal Jackson, Juqua Parker, L.J. Smith, Kevin Kolb, Omar Gaither and Todd Herremans.
For more information on “The Wall” Foundation, including tournament entry and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.thewallfoundation.com or call 301.248.8079. For more on Victoria Hills, visit www.victoriahills.com or call 386.738.6000.
About Victoria Hills Golf Club
Victoria Hills was named one of Florida’s “Hidden Gems” by Travel + Leisure Golf Magazine, and has become one of the most sought-after rounds of golf in central Florida. Tucked away in the historic college town of DeLand, the course is conveniently located between Orlando and Daytona Beach. Designed by Ron Garl, the stunning layout boasts more than 50 feet of elevation change, taking advantage of the area’s natural rolling hills, foliage and wetlands. Tall pines and majestic oaks frame the course while sandy waste areas and pristine lakes make for inspiring sight lines.
Other accolades for Victoria Hills include:
“Top 10 You Can Play” – GOLF Magazine
“4-1/2 Stars” – Golf Digest
“America’s Best Residential Golf Course” – Golfweek
“America’s Top 40 Best New Courses” – Golfweek
“No. 7 Course in the State” – Golfweek
“No. 2 Florida Public Course of the New Millennium” – Travel + Leisure Golf
“Florida’s Best New Golf Course” – Florida Golf News
“One of the region’s Top 10 courses” – Orlando Sentinel
“Best 18 holes in Orlando” – Golf Life Orlando
About Victoria Park
Victoria Park features housing options for families of all sizes with new homes priced from the high $100,000s to more than $1 million. In addition to the award-winning Victoria Hills Golf Club, the community boasts other impressive amenities including: a 22-acre lake park, fitness center; swimming pool; lighted tennis courts; walking trails; bike lanes; playground and picnic facilities. An amphitheater serves as the focal point for community events facilitated by on-site Art of Living staff. Proximity to vibrant metro areas like Orlando and Daytona Beach and a number of cultural centers make Victoria Park an attractive option for those interested in city life conveniences and the personal familiarity of a smaller community. Several educational opportunities are available to residents including Stetson University, Florida’s first private university, and a number of excellent public schools. Freedom Elementary School, an A-rated DeLand public school, is located adjacent to the community. DeLand Middle and High Schools are just minutes away. For more information, visit JOE.com | Keyword: Victoria Park
About JOE
The St. Joe Company, a publicly held company based in Jacksonville, is one of Florida’s largest real estate development companies. We are primarily engaged in real estate development and sales, with significant interests in timber. JOE’s mission is to create places that inspire people and make the region an even better place to live, work and play. We’re no ordinary JOE.
More information about JOE can be found at our website at www.joe.com.
© 2009 The St. Joe Company. “JOE,” “St. Joe”, “Victoria Hills,” “Victoria Commons,” “Victoria Gardens,” “Victoria Park” and the “Taking Flight” design are service marks of The St. Joe Company.
About Billy Casper Golf
Billy Casper Golf, headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, was co-founded in 1989 by professional golf legend Billy Casper, the Masters and two-time U.S. Open winner who ranks seventh all-time with 51 PGA Tour wins. BCG serves its clients through three divisions: Billy Casper Golf, the full-service manager to golf-property developers, owners and public agencies; Buffalo Communications, the publicity, media-relations and marketing-communications agency representing many of the top brands in golf; and Buffalo Golf Trail, the customer-reward program providing consistent, high-quality experiences at BCG-managed properties nationwide.
Contact:
Shane Sharp
Buffalo Communications
704.519.8381 (m/o)
ssharp@billycaspergolf.com
Daniel Mitchell
Buffalo Communications
253.312.4536
dmitchell@billycaspergolf.com