Baltimore, MD (June 13, 2008) – Comcast SportsNet, the leader in local sports television, announced today an innovative partnership with Caddy For A Cure, a non-profit organization that allows fans to go inside the ropes and caddie for the world’s best players at PGA TOUR venues.
Comcast SportsNet will host an online auction on the network’s new website, www.comcastsportsnet.tv (keyword “Caddy”) from June 6-27, leading up to the AT&T National Tournament at Congressional Country Club, hosted by Tiger Woods.
Comcast SportsNet, a media partner of the AT&T National Tournament, will host the online auction, powered by Ironclad Auctions, where golf fans can bid for the opportunity to caddie for PGA TOUR professionals – 2007 Masters Champion Zach Johnson, 15-time PGA TOUR winner Fred Couples, Jerry Kelly, currently 29th in the FedEx Cup Standings, and 2006 United States Ryder Cup Team Member Brett Wetterich. The caddie dates will be Tuesday, July 1 or Wednesday, July 2.
One-hundred percent of the auction proceeds will benefit charities including: The Fanconi Anemia Research Fund, the PGA TOUR Caddie Benevolent Fund, the Tiger Woods Foundation and a charity of the PGA TOUR player’s choice. Each Caddy for a Cure winner will also be escorted by a brave soldier who is part of the Wounded Warrior Project, which honors and empowers wounded warriors and raises awareness about the needs of severely injured service men and women.
“We are thrilled to be returning to this fantastic tournament and outstanding golf course, especially with these incredibly talented players,” said Russ Holden, Caddy For A Cure program founder and CEO. “We are proud to participate with a tournament that pays tribute to the courageous men and women who serve our country in our Armed Forces and it’s a perfect event for the involvement of the wounded warriors from our partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project. The Caddy For A Cure winners are going to get a look and experience inside the PGA TOUR they will never forget at this event.”
“Joining the amazing efforts of Caddy for a Cure is another step in Comcast SportsNet’s growing affiliation with local and national golf organizations, which allows the network to provide viewers the most comprehensive golf coverage in the area” said Rebecca Schulte, senior vice president and general manager, Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic. “Caddy For A Cure provides Comcast SportsNet with an incredible opportunity to help worthy causes while providing golf fans a behind-the-scenes, once-in-a-lifetime, experience to interact with some of their favorite professional golfers.”
“Ironclad is very excited to be included in Comcast SportsNet’s innovative on-line charitable fundraising effort, especially for such a great non-profit organization in Caddy For A Cure”, said Ray Schulte Co-Founder Ironclad Authentics / Auctions. “This on-line fundraising concept will enable us to forge great media and charitable relationships throughout the country”.
As part of Comcast SportsNet’s golf program, Tee Time, the network will once again host a live 30-minute show from Congressional during the AT&T National. “Tee Time at the AT&T National” debuts Monday, June 30, from 7-7:30 p.m., and will air live each night throughout the week following SportsNite at 6:30 p.m. Comcast SportsNet’s Chick Hernandez and University of Maryland men’s basketball coach and avid golfer, Gary Williams, will once again host the show with interviews and analysis immediately following each day’s round.
About Comcast SportsNet
Comcast SportsNet operates 10 sports networks that cover more than 2,400 live sporting events annually and deliver comprehensive sports news and analysis to nearly 40 million cable and satellite homes. Comcast SportsNet’s networks are: Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic, Comcast SportsNet New England, Comcast SportsNet Northwest, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, Comcast SportsNet West, SNY, The Mtn. – MountainWest Sports Network, and CSS. These networks provide live game coverage of 18 professional teams as well as college, minor league and other sports. For more information see ComcastSportsNet.com.
About Ironclad Authentics
An affiliate of Ripken Baseball, Ironclad Authentics is one of the fastest growing full-service marketing companies specializing in programs that guarantee the authenticity of hand-signed collectibles and licensed product. Affiliated with MLB’s Authentication Program, Ironclad supplies signed, fully authenticated memorabilia from current and former athletes to wholesalers, distributors and individuals around the country. The company holds the exclusive signature rights to both Cal Ripken Jr., inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007; and New York Yankees former superstar Don “Hitman” Mattingly.
The newly formed IroncladAuctions.com was introduced by Ironclad Authentics in March of 2008. This platform gives customers the ability to both buy and sell their items through an established memorabilia company. The platform also serves as a hub for charity organizations to hold online auctions to raise money without any prepaid risk.
www.IroncladAuctions.com
