Saturday, December 24, 2011

Blood donors able to earn free ticket to 2012 Humana Challenge

(LA QUINTA, Calif.) - The Humana Challenge, in partnership with the Clinton Foundation, will continue a 40-year tradition in teaming with Coachella Valley-based Community Blood Bank to offer a free one-day ticket to the tournament to each Community Blood Bank donor who gives blood today through Jan. 21.

The 2012 Humana Challenge, the annual PGA TOUR golf tournament which takes place Jan. 16-22 at the Palmer Private Course and Nicklaus Private Course at PGA WEST and La Quinta Country Club, has allocated approximately 1,100 ticket coupons to Community Blood Bank branches next to the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage (39000 Bob Hope Dr.) and in Indio (46100 Rubidoux Street, C9-C10).

Blood donors are offered the ticket coupons while supplies last on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket coupons are redeemed for actual tickets at the gate during tournament week. Last year's tournament ticket giveaway promotion yielded approximately 1,200 units of blood collected.

"More than ever before, the tournament is placing a strict emphasis on healthy living and physical and emotional well-being," Humana Challenge Tournament Chairman Larry Thiel said. "We remain committed to our relationship with Community Blood Bank and ask those within our community to give blood if you can during the holiday season."

The tournament (formerly known as the Bob Hope Classic) has contributed nearly $950,000 to Community Blood Bank during the past 39 years in addition to contributing daily tickets as an incentive to help Community Blood Bank recruit new blood donors. Tickets will also be distributed at scheduled Community Blood Bank mobile blood drive events in the Coachella Valley.

"Community Blood Bank has been a beneficiary of the Humana Challenge since it was established in 1972, and we feel very fortunate to be charitable partners," said Nicu Cocione, center director of Community Blood Bank in Rancho Mirage.

"Our long-standing ticket program with the tournament is quite well-known among our regular donors going back to the 1980s, when Bob Hope was an ambassador for donating blood and entertaining the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Combat Center to show appreciation to blood donors in the desert. We hope this year's tournament will attract many new donors who want to make a difference in our community this holiday season and help save lives."

Community Blood Bank has served donors and patients in the Coachella Valley since 1972. It provides 100% of the blood and services needed by Eisenhower Medical Center, Bush Naval Hospital and Palo Verde Hospital, and stands ready to provide blood to other area hospitals as needed. It is part of the United Blood Services network of non-profit community blood centers.

Donors are advised to make an appointment by contacting Community Blood Bank toll free at (866) 507-5433 or visiting www.Blood4Life.org and clicking on "Donate Blood." Walk-ins are also welcome and will be honored as the appointment schedule allows.

Advance tickets for the Humana Challenge are on sale at a discount in December at www.humanachallenge.com, by calling 1-888-672-4673 and at Lumpy's, the official golf retail partner of the Humana Challenge. One-Day Grounds tickets purchased before Jan. 1 are $20, or $25 beginning Jan. 1. One-Day Clubhouse tickets are $40 before Jan. 1 - or $50 thereafter.

The Humana Challenge features 144 PGA TOUR professionals and 144 amateurs, including celebrities. The first three rounds of the four-day tournament will be played in a pro-am format, with the pro-am teams consisting of two pros and two amateurs. Round four will feature pros only. The tournament continues to honor and celebrate the legacy of Bob Hope, and will award the inaugural Bob Hope Memorial Trophy to its winner.

Tournament week is designed to bring the idea of "participatory wellness" to life for people of all ages. It will feature a first-ever national conference focused on health and well-being on Tuesday, Jan. 17, entitled Health Matters: Activating Wellness in Every Generation and highlighted by a keynote address from President William J. Clinton.

During the past 52 years, the tournament has generated more than $50 million in donations to the Eisenhower Media Center and charities within the Coachella Valley.

The Humana Challenge also offers the latest tournament information, contests and other prizes through its new Facebook page - www.facebook.com/HumanaChallenge - and Twitter page - www.twitter.com/HumanaChallenge (@HumanaChallenge). The Humana Challenge encourages the community, golf fans and tournament patrons to become a fan on Facebook and a follower on Twitter.

Contact: AmericanGolferBlog@gmail.com

No comments: