Greatest names in women’s golf team up to support Indiana’s biggest name in children’s healthcare
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — For two-time pediatric cancer survivor Ashtyn Brown, now 21 and member of the University of Indianapolis golf team, her story is coming full circle. Once a “Riley kid” herself, Ashtyn is now using her talents, on and off the course, to promote the sport she loves and increase awareness for the state’s only nationally ranked and comprehensive children’s hospital.
Ashtyn was on hand at today’s announcement to promote her involvement with The 2014 Legends Championship benefiting Riley Children’s Hospital Foundation. The tournament, presented by Resort Charity Events, will take place August 13-17 at the historic French Lick Resort on the renowned Pete Dye course, features LPGA Legends including Hall of Fame members, Nancy Lopez, Pat Bradley and JoAnne Carner as well as LPGA superstars, Laura Davies, Jan Stephenson and Rosie Jones.
Lorie Kane won last year’s event by a single stroke on the final hole in a thrilling finish.
Resort Charity Events pledged $50,000 to Riley Children’s Foundation at today’s announcement in the Riley Hospital for Children lobby. “We’re hoping to give Riley even more after the tournament,” said French Lick Resort Vice President Joe Vezzoso. Resort Charity Events will also donate 80 percent of the net profits. “We’ve already had some great sponsors step up and look forward to more civic-minded businesses joining them. More sponsorship dollars ultimately means more for Riley Children’s Hospital.” Old National Bank, IU Health, and Coca-Cola are among those already on board.
TOUR TIDBITS
• The Legends Tour has more than 120 members, including 13 World Golf and LPGA Hall of Fame members.
• Legends Tour players have compiled more than 700 LPGA victories, including 75 major championships.
• The Legends Tour is in its 12th season – the second championship at French Lick Resort – and has distributed more than $11,000,000 in prize money.
• Over $14,500,000 has been awarded to charity through Legends Tour events.
• The Legends Tour tournaments have been held in Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, Washington, Wisconsin, Japan and Australia.
• The Legends Tour was founded in 2000 by 25 LPGA Tour veterans who wanted to provide opportunities for professionals 45 and older to continue competing.
The competitive portion of the tournament takes place August 15-17 but a full week of activities is planned beginning August 10 with the Alice Dye Invitational followed by the Women’s Clinic with the Legends and the Old National Bank Pro Am Tournament.
With a tournament theme of health and wellness, the Legends Championship and Riley Children’s Foundation make a perfect team. It’s a fan and family-friendly event. For more information on the Legends Championship, please visit http://frenchlick.com/golf/events/legends2013
Ashtyn Brown’s Story
Ashtyn Brown, 21, never forgets the champions in her life – staff at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health and fellow Riley patients who became her close friends.
Ashtyn fought acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) twice at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. The Richmond, Ind., native was first diagnosed in July 1999 and again three years later. In both cases, her treatment at Riley Hospital for Children involved two-and-a-half years of chemotherapy, plus radiation after her relapse. A life-threatening fungal infection prevented Ashtyn from undergoing a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, although matches were found. A trial medication proved to be a miracle drug that helped Ashtyn overcome daunting odds.
In 2010 she was honored as a Riley Champion, which honors patients for their courage, strength and philanthropic heart. In 2011, she represented Riley Hospital for Children as the ambassador for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic in Orlando, the final stop of the PGA Tour. This summer, the University of Indianapolis golfer will share her journey at The Legends Championship benefiting Riley Hospital for Children.
About Riley Children’s Foundation
Riley Children’s Foundation supports Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health, Camp Riley and the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home. As Indiana’s only comprehensive hospital dedicated exclusively to the care of children, Riley Hospital has provided compassionate care, support and comfort to children and their families since 1924. Each year children from all 92 Indiana counties turn to Riley Hospital and its regional clinics throughout the state more than 300,000 times. Riley Hospital’s partnership with Indiana University Health and its strong affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine make Riley Hospital the leader in pediatric care in the state and the region. For more information, visit RileyKids.org.
About French Lick Resort
French Lick Resort is a $560 million historic restoration and development project that includes the West Baden Springs Hotel and the French Lick Springs Hotel. This premier resort destination in Southern Indiana features 686 guest rooms and suites; a 51,000-square-foot, single-level casino; 45 holes of golf, including the fully restored 1917-designed Donald Ross Course and the 18-hole Pete Dye Course at French Lick; two full-service spas with a combined 36 treatment rooms totaling 42,000 square feet; meeting and event space totaling 200,000 square feet and an array of dining and entertainment options. Visit www.frenchlick.com.
About The Legends Tour
The Legends Tour is the Official Legends Tour of the LPGA. The tour began in 2000 by LPGA professionals to showcase the talents of some of the greatest names in the history of women’s golf. The Legends Tour has more than 120 members, including 12 LPGA and World Golf Hall of Fame members. Legends Tour players have over 675 combined LPGA Tour victories, including 70 major championships. In its 12 seasons, The Legends Tour has awarded more than $10 million in prize money and helped raise more than $13 million for charity. The Legends Tour has hosted events in Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Japan and Australia. For additional information on The Legends Tour, log on to www.thelegendstour.com.
Contact:
French Lick Resort
Dyan Welsh Duncan
(812) 936-5926
dduncan@frenchlick.com
Fusion Media Strategies
Kevin Frisch
(989) 614-0241
kevin@fusionmediastrategies.com
