Fifth Third Bank / FOX 19 Celebrity Classic July 20-21, 2002
CINCINNATI—The Cris Collinsworth Foundation announced today that the third annual Fifth Third Bank/FOX 19 Celebrity Classic, presented by The Cincinnati Enquirer and Pomeroy IT Solutions will be hosted by Belterra Casino Resort on July 20-21, 2002. Belterra joins the event this year as the host sponsor of the weekend's festivities.
Two-time Emmy award winning FOX sports analyst Cris Collinsworth and Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame honoree and Fifth Third Bank Spokesperson Johnny Bench, will host the two-day event being played on Belterra's newly designed golf course.
The weekend festivities include appearances by national celebrities and television stars. The featured weekend entertainment includes a concert in Belterra's Showroom by a true music icon, Mr. Ray Charles.
"The events of this past year have made me treasure even more the special relationships we have built over the last few years in the name of Cincinnati Children's," Collinsworth said. "It's through solid, public-private partnerships with Fifth Third Bank, FOX 19 and Pomeroy IT Solutions that makes this a successful event. World-class partners working for a world-class hospital—we make a great team!"
Other major sponsors include Cincinnati Bell, David Meyers and Associates, the Greater Cincinnati Ford Dealers and Kohl's.
"This is simply a great golf event – raising money for a great cause," offers Fifth Third Bank President & CEO George A. Schaefer, Jr. "Last year's event raised $300,000 dollars for Cincinnati Children's Hospital bringing the total raised from the tournament to $525,000."
The tournament is an area-wide golf championship designed to crown a Cincinnati Golf Champion. It is a Celebrity Pro-Am, consisting of the area's top professional and amateur golfers paired with sports and FOX Network celebrities and sponsors. The Greater Cincinnati Golf Association, a partner in the development of the tournament, will invite amateur golfers from the area. Pro-golfers will be selected from local golf courses in the tri-state area. FOX 19 will present the tournament in a two-day live broadcast.
"This tournament has developed beyond our greatest expectations," FOX 19 General Manager Jon Lawhead said. "FOX 19 has enjoyed partnering with Cris, and Fifth Third in developing what has become our signature charity event in the community. We are looking forward to the weekend at Belterra Casino Resort."
Renowned master golf architect, Tom Fazio, designed the beautiful and challenging championship golf course that stretches more than 7,000 yards. The course plays to a par 71 with the 543-yard par five hole number 4 being the longest. The most challenging hole is perhaps the par four hole 5, with a long second shot parallel to a lake which protects the green.
The general public is invited to attend the golf tournament as part of the gallery at Belterra. A nominal charge of $5 per car load will be made to Cincinnati Children's Hospital.
Contact Information
Amy Caruso
amy.caruso@chmcc.org 513-636-5637
