Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am

TAMPA, Fla. - The 2005 Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am awarded $600,000 to the four charities at a press conference held at Lee Roy Selmon's restaurant. In spite of the inclement weather during tournament week, the $600,000 raised by the tournament was a record amount for the 18-year old tournament.

The following charities are sharing the proceeds: All Children's Hospital, Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Hannah's Buddies - FightSMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) and FARA (Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance).

"When we entered into this event two years ago, we did so, not just to host the best event on the Champions Tour, but we also wanted to accelerate the amount of the contributions to the charities sponsored by the event," said Chris Sullivan, chairman of Outback Steakhouse, Inc. "We love what we do and we have a great time doing it. We're proud of the unique nature of our event, but more importantly, are pleased with the support of the business community and its golf fans that have really made the difference in making this a premier stop on the Champions Tour," Sullivan concluded.

"Even though we were presented with a few challenges from ‘mother nature', the rain and storms did not dampen the enthusiasm or the charitable spirit of the Champions Tour professionals, the celebrities and amateurs, the volunteers, or the fans. That spirit is reflected in this charitable contribution," added Tom Shannon, tournament chairman.

"In our second year under the new pro-am format, we were able to attract a larger and wider variety of celebrities including Kevin Costner, Emmitt Smith, Joe Theismann, Boomer Esiason, Carson Daly and Vince Gill in addition to local celebrities such as Tampa Bay Buccaneer linebacker Derrick Brooks and others," continued Shannon.