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Celebrity Guests at Diamond Resorts International's Brian Gay Invitational Help Raise $805,000 for Florida Hospital for ChildrenWith the support of more than 40 professional athletes and celebrities and DIAMOND RESORTS INTERNATIONAL® (NYSE:DRII), a global leader in the hospitality and vacation ownership industries, $805,000 in net proceeds were successfully raised to benefit the Walt Disney (News - Alert) Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children (FHFC) at the second annual Brian Gay Invitational at Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club in Celebration, Florida on December 12-14, 2014. With more than 400 attendees, golfers and celebrities participating in the event, the weekend included a celebrity/amateur golf tournament on Saturday, December 13 in which foursomes were paired with a celebrity athlete. The 2014 celebrity field included hall of fame athletes Reggie Jackson, Gaylord Perry, Marcus Allen, Eric Dickerson, and Richard Dent and other accomplished stars from the world of both sports and popular music. During the Friday night welcome reception, and with the first pick in the celebrity draft, the foursome from Dick's Sporting Goods selected Ryan Longwell, a retired placekicker, 15-year NFL veteran and the all-time leading scorer in Green Bay Packers history. His golfing abilities paid off as their group came away with the first place trophy in the celebrity-amateur event. The culmination of the weekend's events was the Diamond Resorts Celebrity Invitational, a celebrity-only golf tournament on Sunday, December 14. The winner of the PGA Tour Division with a 9-under 63 was JB Holmes, the winner of the 2014 Wells Fargo (News - Alert) Championship. The Celebrity Division featured an entertaining playoff between Atlanta Braves President of Baseball Operations John Hart and John Smoltz, a Cy Young winner and longtime star for the Braves. Smoltz, making his debut on the ballot to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this year, defeated Hart on the first playoff hole. The world-class event began on Thursday, December 11 at Isleworth Country Club, where after a day of golf, guests were entertained by Country Music's Colt Ford. In the 1990s, Colt played on the PGA's Nationwide Tour with the tournament host, Brian Gay. Saturday evening's gala dinner was prepared by celebrity chef and humanitarian Art Smith, followed by an awards ceremony and live auction. Participants were then treated to an exclusive concert on the Mystic Dunes driving range by one of Country Music's hottest performers, Chris Young. "This was an incredible opportunity to give back and get involved in the great work that Diamond Resorts is doing for the community. Not only was every detail executed seamlessly, but the Mystic Dunes Golf Course was impeccable and the competition was keen. Diamond Resorts delivered a world-class weekend and I am honored to have been a part of it," said JB Holmes, PGA Tour Player and winner of the Diamond Resorts Celebrity Invitational. "I can't think of a better way to spend my weekend than by contributing to a worthy cause while enjoying a beautiful day out on the golf course with some great competition," said John Smoltz, retired Major League Baseball player and sportscaster for MLB (News - Alert) Network and TBS. According to Michael Flaskey, Executive Vice President, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, Diamond Resorts International®, "At Diamond Resorts, social responsibility is a pillar of our company's core beliefs and it is our privilege to be able to give back to the local communities in which we work and live. The Brian Gay Invitational gives us an amazing opportunity to engage in our charitable efforts while also doing what we do best: helping our guests Stay Vacationed™ while creating lifelong memories. We appreciate everyone who took time out of their busy holiday season to be a part of this event. With the tremendous generosity of our celebrities, golfers and sponsors we were able to not only achieve our goal, but go well beyond our expectations."
For additional information about the Brian Gay Invitational and the Diamond Resorts Celebrity Invitational, visit www.briangayinvitational.org or http://briangayinvitational.tumblr.com/. About Diamond Resorts International® Diamond Resorts International®, with its network of more than 300 vacation destinations located in 33 countries throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa, provides guests with choices and flexibility as they design their dream vacation, whether they're traveling an hour away or around the world. Our relaxing vacations have the power to give guests an increased sense of happiness and satisfaction in their lives, with truly memorable and meaningful experiences that let them Stay Vacationed.™ Diamond Resorts International® manages vacation ownership resorts and sells vacation ownership points that provide members and owners with Vacations for Life® through 93 managed resorts, 210 affiliated properties and cruise itineraries. To learn more, visit www.diamondresorts.com. |
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