'Like' the Arnold Palmer Invt'l on Facebook to support charity

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ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard is raising money for the Arnold Palmer Medical Center. For every new fan who 'likes' the tournament Facebook page from now through March 28, 2011, MasterCard will donate $1, up to $200,000, to help children being cared for at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies.

"The tournament is really excited to launch into social media by helping our charities," said Scott Wellington, Tournament Director. "The hospitals have been a vital part of this community and event since 1989 and I encourage people to 'like' us on Facebook to continue supporting them."

Interestingly, some of the children who have received care from the Arnold Palmer Medical Center facilities are from families of PGA TOUR players who live in Central Florida. More than 20 TOUR professionals have had children born at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies or taken their kids to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children for treatment and care for injuries or illnesses.

"The success of the hospitals and the great work that is done there every day has always had great personal meaning to me, and is something we're all proud to be a part of," Palmer says. "It's been a big part of my life, and it pleases me that so many people have been helped over the years."

"This extension to Facebook will allow a broader audience of golf fans and cardholders to continue to personalize their tournament experience while helping to bring lifesaving medical care to thousands of children," said Chris McWilton, President, U.S. Markets, MasterCard Worldwide. "Over our seven year sponsorship of the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard, we've seen first-hand the positive impact this organization has on the local community. We're glad to have this opportunity to help Arnold Palmer and the PGA TOUR generate greater awareness and support for the hospitals."

Says John Bozard, President of the Arnold Palmer Medical Center: "Because of our partnership with Mr. Palmer, the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard, the PGA TOUR and many other events and organizations, we are affectionately referred to as, 'The hospital that golf built.'"

The Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, collectively known as Arnold Palmer Medical Center, received the PGA TOUR Charity of the Year Award in 2009. The Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children has been ranked 30th for heart and heart surgery and 28th for orthopedics in U.S. News & World Report's 2010 edition of America's Best Children's Hospitals.

To support these wonderful hospitals that so many families rely on, simply log on to facebook.com/arnoldpalmerinvitational and 'like' the official tournament page. For every new fan who 'likes' the Facebook page, $1 will be donated by MasterCard to the Arnold Palmer Medical Center.