Celebrity tourney tees off today Tournament participants

ST. THOMAS - The 16th annual Beacon Schools Celebrity Golf Classic, a fundraiser that provides about a third of the Beacon Schools' operating expenses, will take place this weekend at the Mahogany Run Golf Course.

ESPN "SportsCenter" anchor Jay Harris, U.S. Olympic gymnastics gold medalist Trent Dimas and Javier Colon, who won the inaugural season on the NBC television show "The Voice," are this year's celebrity headliners for the event.

"It's three wonderful days of not only food and entertainment, but a chance to meet and have some fun with all the celebrities," Beacon Schools Executive Director Pam Lancaster said in a press release. "I have not been to one charity event here or in the States where that is possible and there are still team and social sponsorships available."

Kevin Rames, president and chairman of the Beacon Schools of the Virgin Islands board of directors, said last year's event raised more than $200,000 for the Beacon Schools programs.

About 3,000 students from St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John currently are enrolled in the program, which receives the part-time expertise of more than 100 teachers in the territory.

For one weekend a year, though, the teachers step out of the classroom and hit the links to support the cause.

The fundraising festivities start at 6 p.m. today with celebrity events at the Sails Poolside and Great Bay Lounge on St. Thomas.

Golfers hit the fairways Friday for a Skins Game at Mahogany Run, followed by a beach barbecue with live musical performances in the afternoon at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Resort.

"After eight years of co-hosting this event, I can honestly say this is by far the best in live entertainment Michael Brooks has ever put together," Lancaster said. "Even if you're not into golf, we're hoping people can come out and enjoy the musical and entertainment events."

The Celebrity Golf Classic Tournament, which will include a shotgun start at 8 a.m. on Saturday, will put one celebrity in each foursome, as players will compete in the best-ball tournament. The public is invited to come out to Mahogany Run and watch the action in person.

About 30 celebrities gathered last year for the event as the team of PGA player Robert Gamez, Ken Manzo, Kristal Manzo and Derek Hillier won the first place gross with a score of 52. Water Briggs, Paul Hadid, Glen Thrope and Edwards Harned won the net score with a 44.

According to the Beacon Schools' website, more than 20 former and current professional athletes - from the NHL, NFL, MLB, NBA and PGA - will be in attendance, along with professional entertainers, actors and musicians.

A celebrity gala and auction will take place Saturday night, along with golf and sponsor awards. Sunday will be capped off with a "Celebrity/Sponsor Beach Challenge" on the beach at the Ritz-Carlton, with food and entertainment starting at noon.

"This will be a great chance for locals to come and hang out with the celebrities all day," Lancaster said. "It's really going to be a great weekend for a good cause."

For more information, call Lancaster at 277-8141 or visit www.beaconschools.vi/golfclassic.html.

Steve Azar, musician

Walter Briggs, played for New York Jets

Brooke Burrows, musician

Mark Brian, musician

Javier Colon, musician

Trent Dimas, Olympic gold medalist

Everett Felber, musician

Tim Fox, played for New England Patriots

Robert Gamez, PGA player

Jay Harris, ESPN SportsCenter anchor

Andy Johnson, played for the New England Patriots

Brian Kelley, played for the New York Giants

Mark Moseley, played for Washington Redskins

Jeffrey Osborne, musician

Chris Rich, actor

Reggie Smith, seven-time MLB All-Star

Bob Sweeney, played for the Boston Bruins

Paula Trickey, actress

Gary Valentine, actor/comedian

Gus Williams, played for Seattle Super Sonics

source: Executive director Pam Lancaster

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