SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
RENO, Nev. – As a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization, the Reno-Tahoe Open Foundation strives to continue supporting other non-profits in the community as it has for the past 12 years. With the 13th annual tournament on the horizon, the PGA TOUR’s Reno-Tahoe Open encourages area non-profit organizations to get involved in its charitable programs in order to help raise money and awareness for a variety of causes. This year’s programs are Chip in for Schools and Chip in for Charities, and benefiting the Kenny Guinn Millennium Scholarship Fund, Birdies For Charity®.
Raising more than $20,000 in 2010, Chip in for Schools invites Washoe County schools to register with the Foundation to sell discounted, $15 General Admission tickets now through the end of July. Each participating school receives 100 percent of the profits from each ticket sold.
Judith Vallerie of the Academy of Arts, Careers and Technology remarked on the school’s experience with Chip in for Schools in 2010, saying, “Last year was an amazing experience for our Academy of Arts, Careers and Technology students. The proceeds from this event went toward the purchase of color printer cartridges that cost approximately $100 a piece, allowing ALL students to have access to color printing in AACT’s computer lab. We are truly looking forward to participating in the “Chip in for Schools” fund-raising event next year. Thank you for an incredible opportunity to raise funds.”
Chip in for Charities also provides non-profits with General Admission tickets to sell in benefit of the fundraising organization. All registered organizations may sell tickets at the regular $20 price, earning $15 from each ticket sold, a 75 percent benefit, great for all types of not-for-profit groups in the area looking to raise funds over the summer.
In addition to its ticket sales programs, the tournament invites the community to take part in Birdies for Charity®, directly benefitting the Kenny Guinn Millennium Scholarship program. In order to participate, donors pledge a fixed amount per-birdie he or she anticipates will be made during the 2011 tournament, with all proceeds supporting the scholarship fund. At the end of the tournament, each donor’s pledge is multiplied by the number of actual birdies made and given to the Scholarship fund.
Enacted into law by the Nevada Legislature in 1999, the Millennium Scholarship has helped thousands of Nevada students receive an affordable in-state college education. The number of students attending Nevada colleges and universities has doubled since the program’s inception. And thanks to the generosity of area philanthropists and tournament supporters, the fund is already set to receive more than $50,000 if the 2011 tournament breaks even with the number of birdies shot in 2010.
“Supporting not just education, but higher education, in Nevada is crucial to the future of our state and the recovery of our economy moving forward,” added Smoley. “And with the recent passing of longtime tournament supporter University of Nevada President Dr. Milton Glick, the Birdies for Charity® program is particularly timely in benefitting the University and Community College System of Nevada.”
One other way to help the Reno-Tahoe Open Foundation, along with a host of other charities, takes place at the Grand Sierra Resort, thanks to famed chef Charlie Palmer. On June 17 from 6 – 9 p.m., the 2nd annual Napa’s Backyard event allows guests to enjoy dishes created by celebrated chefs paired with a pouring from one of 60 wineries in a competition to see who wins “Top Pairing.” Proceeds from the evening benefit the Foundation as well as other organizations in the area including the High Fives and the Nevada Youth Empowerment Project (NYEP). Tickets are $75 each but are available through May 16 for a discounted rate of just $60. Visit www.GrandSierraResort.com/entertainment/calendar/napas-backyard or call 800-648-3568 before May 16 to receive the special early bird rate. Reserved VIP tables of 10 are also available for this exclusive event for $1,000 by calling the Tournament Office at 775-322-3900.
“Giving back has always been the Reno-Tahoe Open Foundation’s main mission and these three programs provide an excellent avenue for area non-profits and schools to raise funds for themselves,” said Jana Smoley, Reno-Tahoe Open executive director. “The return on the investment of time is outstanding and it gives organizations a new story to tell using the PGA TOUR as a speaking point when approaching potential donors.”
To participate in the 2011 Reno-Tahoe Open’s Chip in for Schools, Chip in for Charities or Birdies for Charity® programs, individuals and organizations must register by contacting Tina Ford at [email protected].
For more information on the 13th annual Reno-Tahoe Open at Montrêux, including ticket sales, vacation packages, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.RenoTahoeOpen.com or contact the tournament office at 775-322-3900.
