Legends Reno-Tahoe Open

RENO, Nev. (Dec. 7, 2004) - The Reno-Tahoe Open announced today in a press conference that it would continue its spirit of giving back to the community by donating a total of $168,250 to local charities in 2004, bringing the donation total since the tournament's inception in 1999 to nearly $1.3 million.

The local charities included: Fred and Judy Alexander Foundation, SPCA, Boys and Girls Club of the Truckee Meadows, YMCA of the Sierra, The Children's Cabinet, House Calls, Foster Grandparents, Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, Reno Explorers, and Galena High School.

The press conference, held at the Boys & Girls Club of the Truckee Meadows, featured local children from several of the charity organizations, addressing members of the media and presenting the RTO board with a giant-sized "thank you" card. In addition, a representative from United Blood Services was on-hand at the press conference to present a trophy to the RTO for donating tournament tickets last summer, which were then given out to donors. As a result, nearly 7,300 donors came in to donate blood, resulting in 20,020 lives being saved.

Reno-Tahoe Open Tournament Director Jim Kline points to the on-going support from the local community as the reason why the RTO board has been able to continue to make such impressive donations year after year. "The community has been great in supporting us from the beginning, through its loyal fans, dedicated sponsors and hard-working volunteers. That's why, after a successful year like 2004, we like to give back to the community in whatever ways we can," said Kline.

The 2004 event that took place last August was indeed a very successful event, ending in a dramatic four-way shootout for the lion's share of a $3-million purse. Next year's event promises even more thrills as it returns to the fairways of Montreux Golf & Country Club. "With the pros as good as they are now, we can pretty much guarantee that fans will see some of the best golf in the world," said Kline. "And we're doing everything we can to ensure that this coming summer's tournament will live up to the premier status that comes with being a PGA TOUR event."

The Reno-Tahoe Open returns Aug. 15-21, 2005 to Montreux Golf & Country Club. For information regarding Reno-Tahoe Open ticket, sponsorship, volunteer and charity information, call 775-322-3900 or visit www.renotahoeopen.com. The Reno-Tahoe Open Foundation sponsors include Eldorado Hotel Casino, RSCVA, Sierra Pacific Power Company, IGT and Montreux.