Bridgestone Inv., Northern Ohio Golf Charities make donations

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Forty-eight charities throughout the Northeast Ohio area benefited from more than $900,000 from the 2008 World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational, as representatives from Bridgestone Americas, Inc., the PGA TOUR and Northern Ohio Golf Charities gathered to celebrate the donations at the annual Bridgestone Invitational Northern Ohio Golf Charities Luncheon.

Grant recipients in attendance included The First Tee of Cleveland, an initiative promoting character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf; Camp Quality, a community-based camping experience and support program for children with cancer; Project Learn, a nonprofit assisting non-reading adults with small group classes and tutoring; CYO & Community Services, a partnership of youth, adults and parishes offering programming to help the young, disabled, elderly and poor; and North Coast Health Ministry, a faith-based free clinic providing healthcare services to eligible individuals. Recipients also included the American Red Cross, Akron Zoo, United Way of Greater Cleveland and Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs, among others.

"The World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational is a world-class event that brings unprecedented exposure to Northeast Ohio each summer," said Paul Brady, President, Executive Committee, Northern Ohio Golf Charities, Inc. "But thanks to the support of the PGA TOUR and this entire community, the impact of the Bridgestone Invitational extends far beyond just one week of tournament golf. Today is all about celebrating the dollars raised and the lives that are touched all year long."

For the first time, Bridgestone Americas, Inc. awarded an additional $5,000 of its own funds at this year's luncheon to a charitable organization facing a significant challenge. The first-ever Bridgestone Award was presented to Akron-based Camp Quality, in an effort to help children with cancer and their families find joy and hope through shared camp experiences and a year-round support system.

"Our company has a culture of giving back to its communities and we view our partnership with the Northern Ohio Golf Charities as an extension of this philosophy put into practice," said Mark A. Emkes, Chairman, CEO & President, Bridgestone Americas, Inc. "Congratulations to the 2009 Bridgestone Award recipient Camp Quality and the other charities recognized today. We feel privileged to be in a position to support organizations which are so valuable to the community."

Northern Ohio Golf Charities Foundation is part of a volunteer organization that has sponsored professional golf tournaments at Firestone Country Club for over 50 years. Tournaments have provided more than $18 million to local charities seeking to improve the quality of life in Northeast Ohio. Organizations benefited by the proceeds of tournaments include Children's Hospital Medical Center of Akron, City Mission, the Beacon Journal Charity Fund, the Regional Food Banks of both Akron-Canton and Cleveland, Metroparks and Malachi House.

"Anyone who buys a ticket to the Bridgestone Invitational or entertains business clients during the tournament contributes to the success of this event and, in turn, the dollars raised that help our neighbors throughout Northeast Ohio," said Don Padgett III, Executive Director, Bridgestone Invitational. "We're proud of the good work that can be done thanks to the monies raised each year at the Bridgestone Invitational, and we thank everyone involved for their commitment to this event and our region."

During the luncheon, representatives from several local charities shared with the audience how they will utilize the Bridgestone Invitational and Northern Ohio Golf Charities grants.

"United Way of Greater Cleveland is grateful to Northern Ohio Golf Charities for the generous contribution to build a multi-generational playground in our community," said Michael Benz, President & CEO, United Way of Greater Cleveland. "It is a tribute to the Greater Cleveland community that will be enjoyed by many for years to come."

Among the dignitaries at the Bridgestone Technical Center in Akron, Ohio, were: Don Padgett III, Executive Director, Bridgestone Invitational; Paul Brady, President, Executive Committee, Northern Ohio Golf Charities, Inc.; Pam Williams, President, Northern Ohio Golf Charities Foundation, Inc.; Mark Emkes, Chairman, CEO & President, Bridgestone Americas, Inc.; Bob Handlos, Vice President of Product Development, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations.

There are two ways not-for-profit, 501 (c)(3) organizations can receive funds generated in conjunction with the 2009 Bridgestone Invitational:

Submit a grant request to Northern Ohio Golf Charities. Further details can be found at www.nogcf.org.

Participate in the Birdies for Charity program where funds are generated by charities that solicit pledges for each birdie made by the professional golfers during the Bridgestone Invitational. Interested charities should call 330-644-2299 for more information.

Tickets to the Bridgestone Invitational can be purchased by calling the Championship Office at 330-664-2299, toll free 1-877-942-4849 or by visiting www.worldgolfchampionships.com.