Published: November 12, 2009 11:59 pm      

For charity

Greenbrier Classic badge sales to benefit charities

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS — The inaugural Greenbrier Classic PGA golf tournament promises not only to provide a windfall for the local tourism industry, but also to benefit charities in the region.

An estimated 100 people, representing 80 charities from West Virginia and Virginia, attended a news conference announcing the tournament’s Badges for Charity program at Sam Snead’s at The Greenbrier’s Golf Club Thursday.

Through this effort, registered 501(c)(3) organizations will be able to sell weekly badges — essentially tickets for spectators — to The Greenbrier Classic from now through the end of February. Participating nonprofit groups will direct their supporters to the tournament’s Web site to make the purchase. Those buying badges will be able to choose from an online list of qualified charities, which will receive 30 percent of the cost of each badge purchased under their auspices.

“This is partnership beyond compare,” said Jeff Kmiec, the resort’s vice president of sales and marketing. “Without your help, none of these things are possible.”

In addition to inviting nonprofits to join the badge-selling operation, Kmiec mentioned the need for volunteers to help the tournament to run smoothly, noting it is likely that 200,000 people will attend the event.

Tournament director Tim McNeely said badge sales began only a couple of weeks ago, and sales are already in the 1,500 range. A maximum of 60,000 badges will be offered, at prices running from $147 to $5,000.

“It’s a very simple program,” McNeely said, adding, “We want to reward this very quickly.”

The first disbursement to registered charities will be made at the end of the year, with additional payments going out at the end of January and February, he said.

According to the Web site greenbrierclassic. com, badges will be mailed to purchasers approximately 60 days prior to the tournament, which is slated for July 26 through Aug. 1.

When McNeely opened the floor to questions, one of the first concerned which PGA golfers are expected to compete in The Greenbrier Classic. Others in the crowd called out the name of the true subject of the question — Tiger Woods.

“He has not said no yet,” McNeely responded. “We’re hopeful, but typically, he has not played in first-year events.”

Despite the uncertainty over the presence of the world’s most famous golfer, McNeely pointed out the tourney falls in a very important three-week span on the PGA schedule.

“We expect the world’s best players to be here,” he said.

Kmiec retook the podium to offer yet another teasing bit of information to those gathered. Promising details in 10 days, he said The Greenbrier is planning to host a “major, major” country music concert during the tournament.

While he did not name the performer, Kmiec said the person won a Country Music Association award Wednesday evening, adding, “It will be an incredible, incredible concert.”

— E-mail:

talvey@register-herald.com