Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am

TAMPA, FL, October 9, 2006 - Officials at the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am today identified the five charities that will share in the proceeds from the 2007 Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am.  The selected organizations are:

- Blooming Place for Kids

- Derrick Brooks Charities

- LifePath Hospice and Palliative Care

- Tampa General Hospital Foundation

- The Children's Home

"The Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am is, once again, proud to be able to help local organizations that help make the Tampa Bay area a great place to live," said Tom Shannon, Tournament Chairman.  "These organizations serve our community well and we are proud to be associated with them," he concluded.

"We are very fortunate to have so much support for the tournament through the amazing generosity of so many of our sponsors, participants and volunteers," added Chris Sullivan, Chairman and co-founder of OSI Restaurant Partners, Inc.  "It is only with this support, that we have been able to contribute over $1.8 million to the outstanding charitable organizations that have participated in the tournament," Sullivan concluded.

Quotes:      

Ms. Jan Horn - Executive Director, A Blooming Place for Kids (www.bloomingplaceforkids.org)

"This is truly an amazing breakthrough for our charity.  We are honored to be associated with the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am.  The Outback organization has always been a supporter of ours, and their generosity is always stunning."  

Derrick Brooks - Founder, Derrick Brooks Charities (www.derrickbrookscharities.org)

"We are humbled and honored to be one of the benefiting charities of the prestigious Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am.  We would like to thank the Board of Directors of the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am for their investment in the community.  This contribution will have a positive return as we continue our work of changing the lives of young people one at a time."

Kathy Fernandez - President/CEO, LifePath Hospice & Palliative Care (www.lifepath-hospice.org)

"A major aspect of our mission at LifePath Hospice is to provide care and support for people coping with end-of-life issues.  Children with life-limiting illnesses and their families face poignant challenges, and our pediatric services are designed to address their unique needs.  The funds LifePath Hospice receives as a result of the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am golf tournament will allow us to reach out to more children and their families who need our help and support in a difficult time."

Ms. Robin DeLaVergne - Executive Director, Tampa General Hospital Foundation (www.tgh.org/sections/foundation/founsation/foundation.htm)

"Tampa General Hospital (TGH) is honored to have been selected by the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am to be a beneficiary of its 2007 tournament.  This is a great kick-off for our campaign to raise money for the expansion and renovation of our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).  Some newborns need extra medical care to ensure the best possible start in life.  Staff in our NICU provides the most advanced medical care available for critically ill or premature infants.  The generosity of the Outback organization will benefit countless infants in our community for years to come."

Mr. Anthony Adamo - Executive Director, The Children's Home (www.thechildrenshomeinc.org)

"This event will mean a lot for our ongoing services to the children and families in our care.  The Outback organization has been one of our guardian angel for years.  We are thrilled to be part of this stellar event."

About the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am & Tournament Format

In its first three years, the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am Foundation, Inc. raised over $1,800,000 through corporate sponsorships and other charitable donations.  Since its inception 19 years ago, this tournament has contributed over $6.8 million to Tampa Bay area charities.

This year's charities are: Blooming Place for Kids, Derrick Brooks Charities, LifePath Hospice and Palliative Care, Tampa General Hospital Foundation and The Children's Home.

The Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am Charity Foundation Inc. is a 501 C 3 not-for-profit organization founded in October of 2003.

The tournament format includes a full 76-player Champions Tour field.   In addition, 76 amateurs and celebrities will have the opportunity to play under actual tournament conditions throughout the weekend.  The Champions Tour players will compete with each other in the normal scoring format.  On Friday & Saturday - One (1) amateur with one (1) professional will play in a team format (76 twosomes).  Team scoring will be one best ball of two.  The pairing will remain the same throughout the competition.  On Sunday, 12 pro-am teams will advance based on low score.  Starting times will be made based on the professionals score in the competition. 

The Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am will be played at the TPC Tampa Bay in Lutz, FL, February 12-18, 2007 and will be aired on The Golf Channel (Friday) and NBC Sports (Saturday and Sunday).