LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DIAMOND RESORTS INTERNATIONAL® (Diamond), a global leader in the hospitality and vacation ownership industries, presents The Brian Gay Invitational, a best-in-class celebrity/amateur golf tournament at Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club in Celebration, Fla. on Dec. 6-8, 2013. Net proceeds will benefit the Walt Disney Pavilion at the Florida Hospital for Children (FHFC), a medical facility in Orlando, Fla.
FHFC is home to a world-class panel of pediatric specialists and highly qualified staff dedicated to the care of the children. The hospital features a lobby designed by Disney that features characters and interactive games to ease the fear and anxieties of patients and their families. Through sponsorships and in-kind donations, the event will raise much-needed funds for the hospital to continue its mission.
The Brian Gay Invitational will take place Saturday morning and each foursome will include one celebrity. In addition to the golf tournament, the weekend’s events will include a private golf clinic with Brian Gay, an awards ceremony and a concert featuring a special guest artist. For non-golfers, the weekend will include VIP trips to local area attractions, VIP shopping excursions and spa treatments.
Brian Gay, Diamond’s PGA touring professional, has agreed to lend his name and lead the event. “It’s an honor to join with Diamond in this charitable effort, as this event provides an incredible opportunity to support a worthy cause for which I am passionate about, while also giving back to my local Orlando community,” said Brian Gay. Throughout Brian’s 19-year career he has won four PGA Tournaments, including Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya – Cancun in 2008, Verizon Heritage in 2009 and St. Jude Classic in 2009. Most recently, on January 21, 2013, Brian won the Humana Challenge in La Quinta, Calif.
According to Michael Flaskey, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, North America, Diamond Resorts International®, “We are very pleased with the tremendous celebrity response we have already received, as it has given us great momentum leading into The Brian Gay Invitational. We strongly believe in this worthy cause and are proud to support the Orlando community where Diamond has a significant presence. Due to the generous response in sponsorships and in-kind donations, along with Brian’s active involvement, we anticipate that our fundraising efforts for the Florida Children's Hospital will exceed our projected goals and expectations for the event.”
As of date, the following celebrities have committed to participate in the Brian Gay Invitational:
Marcus Allen, Hall of Fame Football Player
Jerome Bettis, Retired
NFL Player
Johnny Damon, Retired MLB Player
Mike Eruzione,
Olympic Hockey Legend
Penny Hardaway, Retired NBA Player
John
Hart, MLB Executive
Grant Hill, Retired NBA Player
J.B.
Holmes, PGA Tour Player
Reggie Jackson, Hall of Fame Baseball Player
Lee
Janzen, PGA Tour Player
Ryan Longwell, NFL Player
Joe Magrane,
Retired MLB Player/Commentator
Kevin Millar, Retired MLB
Player/Sportscaster
Phil Nevin, Retired MLB Player
Bud Norris,
MLB Player
Nick O’Hern, PGA Tour Player
A.J. Pierzynski, MLB
Player
Dan Plesac, Retired MLB Player
Darius Rucker, Country
Music Superstar
Mark Rypien, Retired NFL Player
John Smoltz,
Retired MLB Player/Sportscaster
Michael Stewart, Retired NBA Player
Frank Viola, Retired
MLB Player
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 hassle-free, relaxing vacations give guests a truly memorable experience every time, for a lifetime.
Diamond Resorts International® manages vacation ownership resorts and sells vacation ownership points that provide members and owners with access to 92 managed resorts, 210 affiliated properties and four cruise itineraries through THE Club® at Diamond Resorts International®. To learn more, visit DiamondResorts.com.
