LA QUINTA, Calif. – Always finding new, innovative ways to support its community, the Bob Hope Classic has expanded its charitable umbrella over the Coachella Valley and has created the potential for an extra $625,000 in charitable donation with the introduction of this year’s new “Hope for the Community” initiative ahead of the 52nd Bob Hope Classic, Jan. 17-23, 2011. This new program will provide additional charitable funds that go above and beyond the Classic’s annual contributions.
Through “Hope for the Community,” the Bob Hope Classic is donating 25,000 one-day grounds tickets to nine charitable organizations and nine Coachella Valley schools. The organizations and schools will sell each ticket for the discounted price of $20, though patrons may purchase each ticket for a suggested donation of $25 (face value) for added charitable benefit. Overall, if tickets are purchased for $25, the program can yield up to $625,000 for all participating parties, which are able to pick up their tickets this week and sell them through tournament week.
All proceeds each charity and school generates from ticket sales through the “Hope for the Community” program are retained by the charities and schools and are allocated at their discretion. Those interested in purchasing Bob Hope Classic tickets through the “Hope for the Community” program should contact their preferred charity or school directly, or call 1.888.MRBHOPE (672.4673).
The participating organizations are as follows (any other charity or school interested in joining the “Hope for the Community” program should call Charity Coordinator Dawn Suggs at 760.346.8184):
Charities – Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City, Boys & Girls Club of Coachella Valley, Desert Cancer Foundation, Desert YMCA, First Tee of Coachella Valley, Jewish Family Services of the Desert, Joslyn Center, Smart Technology and Unforgettables.
Schools – Coachella Valley High School, Desert Hot Springs High School, Jewish Community School, La Quinta High School, Olive Crest Academy, Palm Springs High School, Sacred Heart School, St. Margaret’s School and St. Xavier Preparatory High School.
“In these times of economic downturn, we realize many Coachella Valley charities and schools have experienced budget cutbacks and are in need of financial aid,” Bob Hope Classic President and Chairman of the Board John Foster said. “The Bob Hope Classic’s mission statement has always been to support our community. I hope this is a program that can take root and sustain itself and its beneficiaries in the future.”
Bill Haas, who won his first PGA TOUR title at the 2010 Bob Hope Classic and was one of seven golfers to win multiple PGA TOUR events in 2010, plans to defend his Classic title next month.
For the second consecutive year, the $5 million Bob Hope Classic will be played wholly within La Quinta, at La Quinta Country Club, SilverRock Resort, and the Palmer and Nicklaus Private Courses at PGA West. The unique five-day format of the Classic features 128 top PGA TOUR professionals and 384 amateur contestants, including a stellar list of celebrities.
Practice rounds for the 2011 Classic at all four courses will be conducted Monday, Jan. 17 and Tuesday, Jan. 18. Tournament play begins Wednesday, Jan. 19 and concludes Sunday, Jan. 23 at the Palmer Private Course at PGA WEST.
The Bob Hope Classic’s website, www.bobhopeclassic.com, is one online platform by which fans can more easily gain information about, and purchase tickets for the 2011 Classic. Fans can also log onto Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/BobHopeClassic) and Twitter (@bobhopeclassic) to keep up on pre-tournament and tournament week news, see exclusive celebrity photos, and enter various contests for the chance to win Bob Hope Classic tickets and other tournament prizes.
In 51 years, the Classic has donated nearly $49 million to charities throughout the Coachella Valley. For tickets and more information, go to www.bobhopeclassic.com or call 1.888.MRBHOPE (672.4673).
Contact:
Toby Zwikel: (818) 462-5599 / Pat Bennett: (760) 346-8184
