The 2009 Celebrity Classic is quickly approaching! This year’s Classic will be held Friday, April 17, through Monday, April 20. The “Wheels to Heal” bike event will be held on Sunday, May 3.  The Celebrity Classic is hosted by the Columbus Regional Medical Foundation, and the presenting sponsor of the event is Synovus Financial Corp. The annual weekend event includes signature golf, tennis, and a 5K and 10K run. Last year, more than 1500 people participated in the Celebrity Classic. The event has raised $1.7 million since its inception. Proceeds from the Celebrity Classic event will benefit the John B. Amos Cancer Center.
 

Celebrity Classic Schedule of Events:

Friday, April 17
Event: Celebrity Classic Tennis
Location: Cooper Creek Tennis Center
 
This all-day event begins at 8:00 a.m. and concludes with an awards presentation and US Open trip drawing. Celebrity Classic Tennis includes men’s and women’s round robins and drills. It will also include a demonstration by the Peter Burwash International Pros.  Individual sponsorships are $650; corporate sponsorships are also available.
 
Saturday, April 18
Event: Celebrity Classic 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run
Location: Rotary Park
 
Runners will gather at Rotary Park for the 10K and the 5K Runs. The 5K race will begin at 8:00 a.m., followed by the 10K race at 8:05 a.m. The scenic run along the beautiful Chattahoochee River Walk will bring them back to Rotary Park where they can relax with great food, drinks and entertainment. The event will conclude with an awards presentation recognizing top finishers in all age categories. Pre-registration fee is $20; the day of the event is $25.
 
Event: Celebrity Classic Junior Tennis event
Location: Cooper Creek Tennis Center
 
Youth ages 7-16 are invited to participate in a fun-filled day that includes tennis with a pro, lunch, and an opportunity to win great prizes. The fee is $30 to participate. Due to limited space, early registration is recommended.
 
Sunday, April 19
Event:  2009 Celebrity Classic Junior Golf Tournament
Location: Godwin Creek Golf Course in conjunction with First Tee of Columbus, Georgia
 
The event begins at 1:00 p.m. Area youth ages 7-16  are invited to participate in the Celebrity Classic Junior Golf Tournament. Participants from the surrounding area will have a special opportunity to learn more about the game from Columbus State University golf pros.
Registration forms are available at local golf clubs. Due to limited space, early registration is recommended.
 
Monday, April 20
Event: Celebrity Classic Signature Golf
Location: Green Island Country Club
 
The first tee time begins at 8:00 a.m., followed by lunch and an awards presentation.   The second tee time begins at 2:00 p.m.   There will be an awards presentation and reception for the afternoon round at 6:00 p.m.
 
Individual sponsorships are $1350; corporate sponsorships are also available.
 
Sunday, May 3
Event: Wheels to Heal Bike Ride
Location: Rotary Park
 
Bicyclists can choose from a 20-mile family ride, 30- to 40-mile ride, metric century (64 miles) or 100-mile course. The four routes begin at Rotary Park and wind south through historic Fort Benning. The metric century and 100-mile rides commence at 9:00 a.m., the 30-40 mile option begins at 9:15 a.m. and the family ride starts at 9:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided by Country’s Barbeque.  

Registration fees are $35 per adult and $10 per child (14 and under) until May 1; or $40 per adult and $15 per child the day of the event
 
For more information about Celebrity Classic events, contact Jennifer Johnson at 660-6204 or visit www.columbusregional.com.