Supporters donate U.S. Amateur tickets to local nonprofits

Many local nonprofit groups are receiving complimentary admission to the 2010 U.S. Amateur Championship this week at Chambers Bay. More than a dozen "Community Champions" - local businesses and organizations that are supporting the championship - have donated tickets to groups such as the following:

* Boys and Girls Clubs of Pierce and King counties
* Special Olympics
* Military Order of the Purple Heart
* Lincoln Center students at Lincoln High School
* College Success Foundation
* MetroParks
* Tacoma Goodwill
* Associated Ministries of Tacoma
* The Salvation Army
* Big Brothers Big Sisters
* Evans Scholars
* First Tee
* Junior Naval ROTC at Curtis High School
* American Cancer Society

"We appreciate the tickets that were donated by U.S. Amateur supporters," said Frank Walton of The Salvation Army in Tacoma. "Earlier this week, I took a dad and his two sons to the championship. They're staying in our emergency family shelter and I know they really enjoyed the experience. It was a positive, family-friendly environment."

"Thanks to the generosity of our Community Champions, a number of people in our community have been able to relax and enjoy the special experience of watching these amazing athletes at the U.S. Amateur," said Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy, who oversees operations at the county-owned Chambers Bay. "It's another example of outstanding community support for bringing United States Golf Association championships to Pierce County."

Two other groups of fans are receiving complimentary admission to the championship.

Personnel at Joint Base Lewis McChord can pick up complimentary passes to the U.S. Amateur from the Morale, Welfare and Recreation office. Those passes are good any day of the championship, which ends Aug. 29.

Active and retired commissioned law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS providers and 911 dispatch staff received complimentary admission on Wednesday, Aug. 25, thanks to support by Regence Blue Shield.

Conducted by the USGA, the U.S. Amateur is the nation's oldest golf championship and has been won by some of the most famous names in the sport. The championship will be televised by The Golf Channel and NBC. Weekly passes are available for $65, while single day tickets are $25.

More information, including a complete list of the "Community Champions," is available at www.2010usamateur.com.

Be Sociable, Share!

•