Nationwide Tour annouces 2008 Charities of the Year

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PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- The Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Tennessee and Via Christi Children's Miracle Network have been named 2008 Co-Charities of the Year on the Nationwide Tour.

The Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Tennessee is the recipient of charitable proceeds from the Chattanooga Classic presented by Black Creek. Via Christi Children's Miracle Network is the beneficiary of the Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open.

As the Nationwide Tour's Co-Charities of the Year, the Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Tennessee and Via Christi Children's Miracle Network will receive $15,000 checks from the PGA TOUR to further impact their programs and services.

"For 20 years now, the Nationwide Tour and all of its tournaments have worked hard to have an impact in the hundreds of communities where our events are played," said Nationwide Tour president Bill Calfee. "We have so many worthy benefiting organizations that it is always a challenge to single one or two out. The Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Tennessee and the Via Christi Children's Miracle Network stand out in their commitment to do great things for the people they represent. We are honored to be able to recognize them and help further their efforts."

Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Tennessee

The Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Tennessee diligently works to ensure that people with epilepsy are able to participate in all life experiences. The Foundation strives to prevent, control and cure epilepsy through services, education, advocacy and research. These funds will be used to fulfill this mission, which includes the increased need for the purchase of seizure medications during the challenging current economic times.

"What a special and timely honor it is, especially during these economic times, for the Chattanooga community, the Chattanooga Classic and the Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Tennessee to be recognized by the Nationwide Tour with this prestigious award," said tournament director Chip Baker. "This fulfills one of the major purposes of the Nationwide Tour and the Chattanooga Classic, helping people in need by giving to local charities."

"With this award, the Nationwide Tour and the Chattanooga Classic will truly be helping people in need and making a difference in the lives of people who live with epilepsy, their loved ones and care givers," said Marsha Gentry, president of the Board of Directors of the Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Tennessee.

Via Christi Children's Miracle Network

For a family, a child's medical concerns can be a real strain on their physical, emotional and financial wellbeing. The Via Christi Children's Miracle Network exists to help families throughout Kansas ensure that their children receive the fullest care possible, without regard to illness, ability to pay or physician's hospital affiliation. Funds are used to provide assistance with expenses not covered by insurance such as medications, therapy, hearing aids, wheelchairs and family travel expenses related to the child's hospital stay. Since 1984, Via Christi Children's Miracle Network has raised more than $15 million, with every dollar raised staying in Kansas to help children in need.

"We are privileged to be selected for this honor this year," said Jim Barber, president of Via Christi Foundation/Children's Miracle Network. "This gift will go a long way in meeting the needs of Kansas children and their families. We have been very proud to be a part of the Nationwide Tour's Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open. This gift, along with the dollars raised from the past tournaments, will truly make an impact in our ability to meet the needs of the families in Kansas. Thank you, PGA TOUR."

"We are proud of our relationship with Via Christi Children's Miracle Network and the difference they make in people's lives," said Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open tournament director Roy Turner.

The Nationwide Tour and its tournaments join the PGA TOUR and Champions Tour in their commitment to support charitable organizations in the communities where they play. The events annually benefit 2,000 organizations and countless individuals. Cumulatively, the three tours have generated nearly $1.38 billion for charity through 2008, with the first donation having been made in 1938.

The 2009 Chattanooga Classic presented by Black Creek will be played Oct. 8-11 and the Preferred Health Systems Wichita Open Aug. 6-9.