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The Brian Gay Invitational Presented by Diamond Resorts International Raises $805,000 to Benefit Florida Hospital for ChildrenDetermined to exceed last year's donation, DIAMOND RESORTS INTERNATIONAL® (NYSE: DRII), a global leader in the hospitality and vacation ownership industries, successfully achieved its goal; $805,000 in net proceeds were raised to benefit the Walt Disney (News - Alert) Pavilion at Florida Hospital for Children (FHFC) at its Brian Gay Invitational at Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club in Celebration, Florida, on December 12-14, 2014. In 2013 and 2014 combined, the Brian Gay Invitational presented by Diamond Resorts International® has raised more than $1.2 million to aid the Florida-based children's medical facility in its vital, lifesaving mission. 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. The 2014 celebrity field included hall of fame athletes Reggie Jackson, Gaylord Perry, Marcus Allen, Eric Dickerson, Richard Dent, and other accomplished stars from the world of both sports and popular music. Saturday's winning foursome came from Dick's Sporting Goods and featured Ryan Longwell, the all-time leading scorer in Green Bay Packers history. 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, shooting a 9-under 63, was JB Holmes, the winner of the 2014 Wells Fargo (News - Alert) Championship. The Celebrity Champion, shooting a 74, was John Smoltz, a Cy Young winner for the Atlanta Braves. This year, Smoltz is making his debut on the ballot to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. 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. 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 by one of Country Music's hottest performers, Chris Young, who entertained the crowd on the Mystic Dunes driving range with several of his chart-topping hits including "Aw Naw," "Who I Am With You," and "Lonely Eyes." As a company dedicated to the understanding that taking vacations is beneficial to people's health, happiness and relationships with their loved ones, Diamond Resorts ensured that all attendees and their families were able to experience a much deserved vacation and create memories that would last a lifetime. With this in mind, non-golfers and families were invited to spend the day at one of Orlando's theme parks or enjoy a luncheon and cooking discussion with Chef Smith. "Once again Diamond Resorts International® has exceeded all expectations and delivered an unforgettable experience. Flawless from start to finish, this weekend was truly a world-class event all for the sake of a very worthy cause. I am proud to lend my name and support this charitable effort," said Brian Gay, Diamond's PGA touring professional. 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 values, 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." The following celebrities participated in this year's event:
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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