Media Contacts:
Tom Long
Thomas Long Corporate Communications
504.283.8522
504.669.3030 (cell)
tom@thomaslong.net

Steve Worthy
Fore!Kids Foundation
504.342.3000
Sworthy@forekidsfoundation.com

 

NEW ORLEANS, LA (November 17, 2014)-The First Tee of Greater New Orleans has been revitalized in the community on the strength of $160,000 raised through the efforts of the Fore!Kids Foundation, producer of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, announced Steve Worthy, Fore!Kids CEO.

 

The Fore!Kids Foundation secured $50,000 directly from the PGA TOUR to supplement the $100,000 raised directly by the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and related events, said Worthy. In addition, the Foundation was able to direct $10,000 to First Tee from the players' purse in the 2013 Zurich Classic Wednesday Pro-Am.

 

"The generous support of the Fore!Kids Foundation has given First Tee of Greater New Orleans the funds to greatly expand our program to benefit many more deserving young persons from five years old up to high school age," said Chip Patterson, executive director of the local First Tee chapter.

 

About Fore!Kids Foundation:
Since 1958, the Fore!Kids Foundation has raised money to fund children's service organizations through golf events like the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the Golf Ball Gala, an AJGA event, a kids' summer junior tour and several charitable golf tournaments. As a 501(c)(3) corporation, Fore!Kids has helped to raise more than $26 million to date for children's charities in metro New Orleans and Baton Rouge. More information at www.forekidsfoundation.com.

 

About the Zurich Classic of New Orleans:
Televised in more than 224 countries and territories, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans generates a significant economic impact on the city of New Orleans and the entire state of Louisiana. Independent research has shown that the tournament generates economic impact of more than $40 million within the local economy and garners more than $33 million in positive national and international media exposure for both the city and state throughout the year beyond the four days of competition.

 

The tournament will be played April 20-26, 2015 at TPC Louisiana in Westwego. Purse for 2015 totals $6.9 million, with the winner taking home $1,242,000.

 

Single-day grounds tickets are only $25 each and weekly passes are $75, available by calling the Tournament Office at 504-342-3000 or online at www.zurichgolfclassic.com.

 

About The First Tee of Greater New Orleans:
The mission of The First Tee of Greater New Orleans is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

 

The First Tee serves youth ages 5 through 18 through chapters at almost 900 golf facility program locations world-wide. Its outreach programs have been introduced at more than 6,000 elementary schools in 800 school districts and 200 other youth-serving locations. Locally, The First Tee of Greater New Orleans serves over 6,500 youth participants annually at local schools, community centers and parks.