Charity will once again take center stage as a spectacular field of professional golfers, celebrities, and businessmen gather for the Berenberg Gary Player Invitational to take place at the historic Wentworth Club on July 20-21. As part of the world’s leading charity series, the European leg of Gary Player Invitational (GPI) series promises to be another thrilling union of golf and giving to aid underprivileged children.
“Youth are the trustees of posterity, so I am so grateful that through our Berenberg Gary Player Invitational event, we can provide a brighter future to children in need across the UK,” said Grand Slam champion and tournament host Gary Player. “Giving back has always been incredibly important throughout my career, but we are truly doing something special with our event at Wentworth.”
The Berenberg Gary Player Invitational is the second tournament of the GPI series, which also includes events in the United States, China, and South Africa. Through monies raised in the global series, The Player Foundation has raised over $50 million to support youth across the world over the past 30 years.
Funds from the event immediately following the Open Championship will benefit DePaul UK and their work to help homeless and disadvantaged young people. Depaul, which has locations throughout the United Kingdom, works with youth to tackle homelessness at every level and, since their establishment in 1989, has helped over 50,000 young people. Depaul’s Nightstop service also offers emergency, short term accommodations in the homes of local volunteers on a night by night basis providing over 120,000 bed nights to those who are vulnerable and in need each year.
“It is a great honor, to stage this tournament together with our brand ambassador Gary Player and to be a part of his world leading charity golf series. Support for young people is important to both Berenberg and Gary Player. Together we work with our foundations to benefit children in need,” said Dr. Hans-Walter Peters, Managing Partner of Berenberg.
The GPI field is comprised of an incredible list of champions, including reigning U.S. Open champion Martin Kaymer and PGA Championship winner Jason Dufner. In addition to the golfing professionals that together hold 18 Major Championships and countless worldwide tournament victories, celebrities joining the union of golf and giving include longtime supporter Ronan Keating, fellow Irish star Brian McFadden, and Johnathan “DJ Spoony” Joseph.
“The game of golf continues to be the greatest catalyst of all sports for charitable giving,” said Marc Player, Black Knight International CEO. “The GPI series is another fine example of what can be achieved when sponsors like Berenberg, SAP, Callaway, Coca-Cola and Rolex all come together with the purpose of making a difference. We are grateful for everyone’s support.”
ABOUT BLACK KNIGHT INTERNATIONAL
Established in 1983 by Marc Player, Black Knight International is a global holding company for The Player Group and the constantly expanding family of Gary Player® brands. With a powerful presence in North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa, Black Knight is a multicultural and multilingual company offering branded services for the leisure and real estate industries. This rapidly growing firm is diverse and infused with the same tenaciousness and drive as Gary Player, world renowned iconic golfer. The holding company divisions include: Gary Player Design, Player Real Estate, Black Knight Enterprises, Black Knight Solutions, Black Knight Capital, Gary Player Academies, and The Player Foundation.
ABOUT THE PLAYER FOUNDATION
The Player Foundation was established in 1983 by Marc Player. What began as an effort to provide education, nutrition, medical care and athletic activities, for a small community of disadvantaged children living on the outskirts of Johannesburg, South Africa has now blossomed into an organization that circles the globe bringing aid to underprivileged children and impoverished communities.
The Foundation is funded primarily by four Gary Player Invitational events presented through Black Knight International. Pairing celebrities and professional golfers from the PGA and Champions Tours with businessmen and international sports figures, the annual tournaments are staged in the United States, China, Europe and South Africa. The proceeds of these tournaments and other special events provide funding for an ever- expanding number of institutions around the world, including the Blair Atholl Schools in South Africa, the Pleasant City Elementary School in Palm Beach, the Masizame in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, and AIDS infected children in Baoshan, a drug-infested city located on the China-Burma border. Since its establishment, The Player Foundation has donated over $50 million dollars to the support of children’s charities, the betterment of impoverished communities and the expansion of educational opportunities throughout the world.
Gary Player, acknowledged as a world-class humanitarian, believes that the strength of our future depends upon the abilities of our children. “I have found that the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others does not thrust itself upon us,” Player says, “But we do not need to look hard for it either. When you spot the chance to give back to the world, act on it. You will have made life better, for others, and for yourself.”
The Gary Player Foundation is a non-profit 501 C (3) organization managed by Black Knight International in Palm Beach, Florida.
ABOUT BERENBERG
Established in 1590, Berenberg is one of the leading privately owned banks in Europe today, focusing on four operating divisions: Private Banking, Investment Banking, Asset Management and Corporate Banking. The Hamburg-based bank is managed by personally liable partners. Today, Berenberg has 17 offices and a strong presence in London, Zurich, Frankfurt and New York/Boston.
ABOUT DEPAUL UK
Depaul UK helps young people who are homeless, vulnerable and disadvantaged.
We Protect young people by finding them a place to call home.
We prevent young people becoming homeless by rebuilding family relationships and offering through the gate support to young offenders.
We provide young people with opportunities through skills development and support to help them progress beyond homelessness and fulfil their potential
Depaul is based around the UK working with young people to tackle homelessness at every level. Our Nightstop UK service also offers emergency short term accommodation in the homes of local volunteers on a night by night basis.
Depaul UK has helped over 50,000 people since we were founded in 1989 and continue to work with over 3,000 young people a year providing over 120,000 bed nights to those who are vulnerable and in need.
Contact:
Grace Vine – Black Knight International
grace@garyplayer.com
+1 864 477 2720
Meagan Fester – Black Knight International
meagan@garyplayer.co.za
+27 21 448 7777
