THE PLAYERS announces record $4.8M raised for local charities in 2010

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- Thanks to a dedicated fan base, support from the event's Proud Partners, the tireless and selfless efforts of the tournament's volunteer force and the entire Northeast Florida community, THE PLAYERS Championship generated a tournament-record $4.8 million for local charity in 2010, bringing the total in charitable giving to nearly $40 million since 1977, when THE PLAYERS moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

The announcement of the $4.8 million, which benefits more than 100 charities throughout Northeast Florida, was made as part of the kickoff to THE PLAYERS Giving Back Month, with tournament staff and volunteers hand-delivering contributions to many First Coast charities during the "Red Coat Ride Out."

"I have been a part of Giving Back Month for the past three years, and I cannot describe the pride I feel representing the volunteer force as we travel to see how the dollars raised by THE PLAYERS help these worthwhile charities right here in our community," said 2010 Volunteer Chairman Harold Tool. "Being a part of the 2010 Giving Back Month brings my time as the Tournament Chairman full circle. I look forward to watching as THE PLAYERS continues to grow and make significant, positive changes within the community."

The announcement of the 2010 charitable donations came on the front steps of TPC Sawgrass with Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton officially declaring November "THE PLAYERS Giving Back Month." Also in attendance was Jodie Mudd, 1990 PLAYERS champion. Mudd is a supporter of Haven Horse Ranch, a non-profit organization that uses horses to teach children basic life's principles. A check for $25,548 was presented to Haven Horse Ranch, representing the funds the organization received from THE PLAYERS in 2010.

Past Tournament Chairmen (Red Coats) then led two teams of tournament volunteers, caddies, standard bearers and staff across the First Coast, personally delivering nearly $100,000 in grants to six Northeast Florida non-profit organizations.

"This is my first year as the Executive Director of THE PLAYERS, and just being a small part of the planning for the Red Coat Ride Out and Giving Back Month has already shown me why this event and this community are such great partners," said Executive Director of THE PLAYERS Matt Rapp. "THE PLAYERS Championship, as an event, takes place over the course of a week here on the First Coast. But the impact of the tournament extends throughout the entire year. My thanks go out to the fans, sponsors, staff and volunteers who make all of this possible."

While much of the $4.8 million comes from funds raised during tournament week, THE PLAYERS and TPC Sawgrass are partnering with local charities throughout the year to help raise additional, significant dollars for the community, and those funds are included in today's announcement. Events like THE PLAYERS Benefit for the Arts in June, Birdies for the Brave and "Birdies for Charity" commitments made by the fans are all part of the $4.8 million and the significant impact THE PLAYERS is able to make on the First Coast.

Following today's Red Coat Ride Out, Giving Back Month continues with the Birdies for the Brave tournament at TPC Sawgrass on Nov. 8; a ribbon-cutting at THE PLAYERS Championship Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida on Nov. 17; and THE PLAYERS 5K with Donna at TPC Sawgrass on Nov. 27.

For more information, or to purchase tickets to THE PLAYERS, visit thetournament website or call 888-401-8000