SOUTHWEST SECTION PGA TO RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITIES THROUGH VIRTUAL HELICOPTER BALL-DROP IN 2010

The PGA Southwest Section announced today a unique event benefiting two Phoenix-based charities, the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Arizona and Nevada chapters of Special Olympics and the PGA Southwest Section Foundation.

The Virtual Helicopter Ball-Drop will take place on Friday, June 11, 2010 as part of the Arizona Open Green Day Charity Tournament. The evening culminates with the innovative animation and dinner at Harold’s Restaurant in Cave Creek. Those unable to attend will be able to participate by viewing the Ball-Drop live, via web-link. This dynamic event will precede the state’s second longest running professional tournament, the 66th Arizona Open. The 54-hole stroke play championship will be conducted at Desert Mountain’s Apache Course from June 17-19.

The PGA Southwest Section and its production partner, GiveThroughGolf.com will sell golf balls for $20 each. The Grand Prize winner will receive a 2010 Lexus! 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place winners will take home other great prizes.

Vito Berlingeri, marketing director for the PGA Southwest Section, said,” the campaign will significantly increase the amount of charitable giving the non-profit organization contributes in 2010 and we are excited to be at the forefront of this great opportunity with Give Through Golf.”

Give Through Golf (www.givethroughgolf.com) provides a dynamic, web-based, ball-drop production that can function as a stand-alone event, or work in concert with an existing event, such as a golf tournament or a gala. GiveThrough Golf sells golf balls online through a customized web page developed specifically for each charity. The custom animation allows donors to view a Virtual Helicopter Ball Drop from anywhere there is Internet access.

To learn more about the Virtual Ball-Drop, the upcoming event, and to purchase golf balls visit www.GiveThroughGolf.com, click on the Charity Tab or the Southwest Section PGA Logo or call (877) 885-2088

For more tournament information call Mr. Berlingeri at the PGA Southwest Section Office at (480) 443-9002. Also follow The Southwest Section of the PGA on Facebook!