Fresh Express to sponsor TPC Stonebrae event

text size

HAYWARD, Calif. -- Central Coast California-based Fresh Express has agreed to serve as the title sponsor of the East Bay Area's only PGA TOUR-sanctioned event, the Fresh Express Classic at TPC Stonebrae, a Nationwide Tour event.

As previously announced, the tournament will be held April 12-18, 2010 at TPC Stonebrae, located atop the rugged East Bay hillside overlooking San Francisco Bay. The field of 156 plays 72 holes of stroke play, with all four rounds to be televised live by Golf Channel.

NFL legend Jerry Rice, newly named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, will serve as tournament host and the Jerry Rice 127 Foundation has been named as the "primary receiver" of the charitable proceeds generated by the annual event. An accomplished golfer, Rice has also received a sponsor's exemption to compete against the Nationwide Tour pros.

"We believe this is the beginning of a great partnership between the PGA TOUR, Fresh Express and TPC Stonebrae," said Bill Calfee, president of the Nationwide Tour in announcing the agreement that extends through the 2011 season. "We have no doubt that Fresh Express will have a huge impact on the popularity of the event throughout the Bay Area."

"Partnering with the PGA TOUR to sponsor the Fresh Express Classic fits perfectly with our focus on helping consumers enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle," said Brian Kocher, president of Chiquita Fresh North America. "It's a great opportunity to reinforce the quality and freshness of Fresh Express salads and Chiquita snacks, as well as our leadership as two of the strongest brands in produce. We are thrilled to have a champion like Jerry Rice be a part of our team at the Fresh Express Classic."

With the invention and introduction of the Keep Crisp"! bag, Fresh Express was the creator of the retail packaged salad category and the first to make ready-to-eat salads available to consumers nationwide, now with more than 20 million consumers enjoying Fresh Express salads, spinach and greens every week.

"We welcome Fresh Express, as its participation will make a significant contribution to the many local charities that benefit from our event," said Matt Fong, Principal Managing Director of Stonebrae LP. Stonebrae is assuming the role of Presenting Sponsor of the tournament.

"We also feel the Fresh Express healthy lifestyle mission fits perfectly with the Nationwide Tour platform," added Jody Brothers, Tournament General Manager, "through exposure on the international television coverage, as well as through relationships with our players, our tournament host Jerry Rice and the many volunteers and fans who will be part of the tournament."

Rice, 46, is one of the greatest performers in Bay Area sports history. Formed in 2005, the Jerry Rice 127 Foundation is designed to support various children's organizations. A champion of numerous organizations, Rice has become a national spokesman for the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, relating his use and support of chiropractors.

Proceeds from the Fresh Express Classic also will benefit charities throughout the Bay Area, particularly those who participate in selling tickets through the TICKETS Fore CHARITY"! program. The Fresh Express Classic and TPC Stonebrae are also part of the PGA TOUR's Birdies for the Brave military outreach program.

For more information about the Stonebrae Classic, call (510) 728-7912, or visit www.FreshExpressClassic.com.