PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2011
Contact: Crystal McKinsey
McKinsey Development, Inc.
540-905-4457, Ext. 1
cdmckinsey@mckinseydevelopment.com
Azalea Charities Kicks Off LPGA Pro-AM Invitational Week Activities with Special Olympics and Boys & Girls Club Golf Day
Haymarket, VA—Azalea Charities annual Special Olympics and Boys & Girls Club Golf Day was a dream come true for forty players this afternoon.
These Special Olympians and Boys & Girls Club children played alongside professional golfers in an afternoon event benefiting Prince William-based Azalea Charities at Haymarket’s Piedmont Club.
“Azalea Charities has helped fund Special Olympic events in this area for over fifteen years,” shared Senior Vice President of Special Olympics Virginia , Roy D. Zeidman. “Special Olympics events offer the public the opportunity to engage with people who have disabilities. This engagement leads to understanding--and it is understanding that ultimately leads to inclusion.”
Event participant and Special Olympian Grace Ann Braxton encourages young people interested in golf to find a mentor. She credits her own mentorship through the Special Olympics program for her successes on the course--and in life. Braxton, with funding provided by Azalea Charities, will be playing for Team USA in the International Special Olympic games in Athens, Greece this summer.
The event drew a number of local sponsors to the course, including representatives from BB&T, ManTech and Wegmans. In addition to financial support for the event, Wegmans representatives were onsite mixing up healthy smoothies for participants and guests. “Making a difference in our community is what it’s all about” noted Wegmans Executive Chef, Kris Chase.
Special Olympians—and their families are truly grateful. “Golf activities through the Special Olympics give my son something to look forward to,” shared Special Olympian mother Shirley Naniewicz. Becca Leggitt added, “There is a lot to be learned from our children. These events are much more about participation than competition. When someone falls down, everyone stops to pick them up.”
Sunday afternoon’s event kicked off the 2011 LPGA Azalea Pro-AM Invitational week festivities. The event continues Monday with the Pro-AM Invitational and culminates with Tuesday’s LPGA Pro-AM Invitational.
For more information visit: www.azaleacharities.org.
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About Azalea Charities: Azalea Charities is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization in Prince William County, Virginia. The organization is staffed entirely by volunteers who donate their time, talent and money. Azalea Charities raises funds for its community charities and Aid for Wounded Warriors through contributions and sponsorship of Team Azalea Charities in the Marine Corps Marathon and the Azalea Classic Pro-Am Invitational Golf Classic, the organization’s keystone event held each May at the Piedmont Club. Beyond minimal expenses, all the funds they raise go to their charitable core causes. Further information is available at www.azaleacharities.org.
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Crystal McKinsey
McKinsey Development, Inc.
www.mckinseydevelopment.com
(540) 905-4457
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