Golfing legend Chi Chi Rodriguez will participate in the March of Dimes Golf Classic.
The event begins Monday, Aug. 24, at 6 p.m. with a party at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre. Porker’s BBQ will be creating a menu just for the event. Carmike Cinemas will also be on hand to provide a sneak peek of The Majestic: the first LEED certified movie theatre in the country.
In addition to a pre-tournament reception, Council Fire Golf Club will host a day of golf and help supply golfer gifts. Registration begins at 8 a.m., the shotgun start begins at 9:30. Breakfast will be provided by Chick Fil-A/Hamilton Place Mall, and lunch will be provided by Southern Star.
The tournament is sponsored by Capital Toyota and the 2009 honorary chairman is Bob McKamey. “What better way to enjoy a wonderful day of golf than in the company of others who are helping babies get a healthy start in life,” said Mr. McKamey.
Mr. McKamey’s efforts with the March of Dimes have spanned nearly 20 years, and his efforts have helped to raise millions of dollars for the cause.
Heading up the tournament and leading its group of volunteers is Jim Cooper of Berz, White & Cooper. “I am thrilled to be working with Chi Chi and Bob to bring some of the most generous and hard working people in the Scenic City a high quality golf tournament that will blow away all of its participants," said Mr. Cooper.
“I am also grateful that volunteering for the March of Dimes gave me a chance to work with Auction Chair Dianna Leun of Erlanger, Patrick Bobo, Jeff Carter, Cindy Cornette, Evan Gibson, Hilary Guinn, Heather Holloway, Judy Morris, Mollie Majors, Joe Pratt and Vanessa Tripp.”
Donations of sponsorships and auction items have been given by Capital Toyota, Carmike Cinemas, Regional Obstetrical Consultants, T&T Golf Carts, Diversified Companies, Fairway Outdoor, Barnett & Company, Porkers, Southern Star and Chick Fil-A.
Funds raised by the golf tournament support research and educational programs aimed at giving every baby a healthy start including over three million dollars in statewide projects, and almost $100,000 in community grants.
The most urgent infant health problem in the U.S. today is premature birth. It affects more than half a million babies each year, with the number growing every day. In 2008 the March of Dimes issued a Report Card on Premature Birth, giving the nation a D and Tennessee a F. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities.
The March of Dimes is committed to reducing this toll by funding research to find the answers to premature birth and providing comfort and information to families who are affected. Guests will hear first-hand the impact the March of Dimes has had on the lives of local families in the community.
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies®, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.
For more information visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.