Derek Jeter Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament Contributes more than $1 Million to Turn 2 Foundation

Ken Griffey Jr., Anthony Anderson & Jorge Posada Among Top Stars at Exclusive Shadow Creek in Las Vegas

(NEW YORK) – Some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment hit Las Vegas this week as the highly anticipated Derek Jeter Celebrity Invitational (DJCI) returned to the exclusive Shadow Creek golf course for the third year. Hosted by world-renowned Five Diamond ARIA Resort and Casino, the three-day affair contributed more than $1 million to Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation.

Ken Griffey Jr., Anthony Anderson, Marcus Allen, Ray Allen, Benjamin Bratt, Brandi Chastain, Tino Martinez, Bode Miller, Jorge Posada and Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez were some of the many prominent celebrities who lent their star power to the event, which benefitted the Turn 2 Foundation’s signature programs.

“As we present this event for the third year in Las Vegas, I am incredibly grateful for the tremendous support we continue to receive from our great friends, supporters and partners, who have played a huge role in making this event such a fantastic success,” said Derek Jeter, who created the Turn 2 Foundation in 1996. “The funds contributed to Turn 2 this year will allow us to us further our mission and reach even more young people across the country, instilling in them the importance of education, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and giving back to their communities. I look forward to continuing to grow this event in the years to come.”

This year’s DJCI kicked off on Wednesday, April 19 with a private Welcome Reception presented by Jordan Brand at ARIA’s LIQUID Pool Lounge. Thursday morning marked the beginning of the first two rounds of the Celebrity-Amateur golf tournament, where teams of celebrities and amateur participants went head-to-head in a best-ball, modified shamble format at Shadow Creek.

After a day of hitting the links at Shadow Creek, celebrities, friends, partners and supporters joined Jeter at the event’s signature DJCI gala at ARIA. Celebrities and VIP guests enjoyed world-class dining and had the chance to bid in a silent auction that featured exclusive memorabilia and experiences. World-renowned, GRAMMY Award-winning artist T.I. then took the stage at the celebration, giving an unforgettable performance.  

The three-day event concluded with a final round of the Celebrity-Amateur tournament the morning of Friday, April 21.

This year’s DJCI partners included Jordan Brand, ICON International, Turner and JP Sports + Entertainment.

Funds raised at this year’s DJCI will benefit the Turn 2 Foundation and its signature programs. In its first two years in Las Vegas, the event contributed more than $2 million to the foundation. Buoyed by this success, the event has been extended for the next two years. Since its launch, Turn 2 has worked to help young people reach their full potential by creating and supporting initiatives that promote leadership development, academic achievement, positive behavior, healthy lifestyles and social change among high school students in New York City and West Michigan. The Foundation celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2016.

About Turn 2 Foundation
Since its launch in December 1996, the Turn 2 Foundation has created and supported programs and activities that motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and “Turn 2” healthy lifestyles. Its signature Jeter’s Leaders initiative is a four-year leadership development program that fosters academic achievement, positive behavior and social change among high school students in New York City and West Michigan. During its 20 year history, Turn 2 has given back more than $23 million, funding its signature programs as well as organizations that support its mission.