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Top LPGA Golfer, Cristie Kerr Raises $100K
for Breast Cancer at Charity Golf Classic
Third Annual Birdies
for Breast Cancer fundraiser a huge success due to Kerr,
corporate sponsors, and event participants.
lpga.com
Winter, 2005
A record-breaking $100,000 was raised at this year's UpLink
Birdies for Breast Cancer Charity Golf Classic, hosted by
Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA)
star Cristie Kerr. This annual event took place on December
3, 2005 at the Reunion
Resort & Club outside of Orlando, Florida. Kerr's
charity foundation, Birdies for Breast Cancer, is proud to
distribute the proceeds to the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute,
newly dedicated Kathryn Krickstein Pressel Memorial Fund of
the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute and The
Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Other events that took place surrounding the fundraiser included
Cristie Kerr and fellow LPGA player Brittany
Lincicome signing pink hats at the Tampa Bay Lightning
game on Friday, December 2nd to raise money for the Moffitt
Breast Cancer Fund. Star amateur golfer who recently turned
pro, Morgan Pressel,
received the annual Birdies for Breast Cancer CoURagE Award
and the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute dedicated the Kathryn
Krickstein Pressel Memorial Fund to celebrate the life and
memory of Morgan's mother who died of breast cancer. Twelve-year
old junior golfer Dakoda Dowd was named the junior spokesperson
for Birdies for Breast Cancer by Kerr. Dakoda's mother, Kelly
Jo Dowd has been diagnosed with terminal breast cancer.
"This year's event was a huge success on many different
levels. We put forth a lot of energy to raise money toward
breast cancer research programs," said Cristie Kerr,
host of the UpLink Birdies for Breast Cancer Charity Golf
Classic and founder of the Birdies for Breast Cancer program.
"I am confident that our continual efforts along with
our wonderful corporate sponsors can make an overall impact
to be one step closer to a cure for breast cancer."
Kerr along with Birdies for Breast Cancer was joined by Title
sponsor UpLink Corporation and Presenting sponsor Allen Partners.
"As a Cancer Survivor myself, I have tremendous respect
for anyone who has a commitment for this cause," said
Glenn Pierce, President and CEO of UpLink Corporation. "Cristie
Kerr is a perfectionist in her personal and professional life.
It was a very easy and exciting decision for UpLink Corporation
to be part of this world-class event and have the privilege
to be involved with Cristie. We have already decided to be
the title sponsor for next year."
Other participating sponsors included American Airlines,
Anheuser-Busch, Audemars Piguet, Aviator Sports, Chrysler-Jeep,
Coca-Cola, Energy Capital Partners, Lacoste, Panera Bread,
Waugh Cellars and XL Generation.
The UpLink Birdies for Breast Cancer Charity Golf Classic
had 200 guests, including LPGA players as well as other professional
athletes and known celebrities. Guests included LPGA golfers
Brittany Lincicome, Michelle McGann, Leta Lindley, Kim Williams,
Patricia Meunier-Lebouc, Patricia Baxter-Johnson, Karen Stupples
and Jan Stephenson; golfers from the Big Break series on The
Golf Channel Thomas Blankvoort and Don Donatello, NHL player
Vincent Lecavalier, former NHL player Brian Mullen, former
NFL player Wesley Walker, actor Michael O'Keefe (Caddyshack's
Danny), and golf trick shot artist Buddy Shelton.
About Birdies for Breast Cancer
Cristie Kerr founded Birdies for Breast Cancer, Inc., a Florida-based
not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, after her mother was
diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. Having been deeply affected
by her mother's painful struggle to recovery, Cristie wanted
to do whatever she could to fight the disease. Birdies for
Breast Cancer was formed for the purpose of supporting breast
cancer research. Cristie donates $50 for every birdie she
makes on Tour and raises money from individuals and corporations
who pledge donations for every birdie she records on Tour.
Over $225,000 has been raised since Birdies for Breast Cancer
was established in 2003. Past beneficiaries of Birdies for
Breast Cancer include The Breast Cancer Research Foundation;
Jeannes Hospital, part of the Temple University Health Sciences
System; Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation of Greater
New York City; and now the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute.
Birdies for Breast Cancer has teamed up with Play for P.I.N.K.
(Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge),
a grassroots organization dedicated to raising funds to fight
breast cancer, and creating and promoting awareness of breast
cancer through sporting and lifestyle events. Play for P.I.N.K.'s
commitment is to contribute 100% of all funds raised to its
partner, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Play for P.I.N.K.,
Birdies for Breast Cancer and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
are proud to share the same vision: Find prevention and a
cure in our lifetime. For more information on how you can
help fight breast cancer, please visit www.birdiesforbreastcancer.com,
www.playforpink.org, or www.bcrfcure.org.
About Cristie Kerr
In the increasingly popular sport of golf, Cristie Kerr has
emerged as one of the game's premier female athletes. After
an extraordinary amateur career Kerr joined the LPGA Tour,
where she quickly ascended to the upper echelon of the sport.
Kerr has had a stellar season in 2005, including two victories
at the Michelob ULTRA Open and the Wendy's Championship for
Children, as well as ten top-ten finishes. In addition, Kerr
was the top points-earner to compete in her third Solheim
Cup matches, where she posted two wins to help the U.S. take
back the Cup from Europe. Kerr has successfully passed the
$5 million mark in career earnings, placing her at #18 on
this lifetime achievement.
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