LPGA Hall Of Famer Amy Alcott And La Lakers Star Rick Fox Dedicate First Medical
Center Putting Green
New Putting Green To Provide A Vital Form Of Recreational Therapy For City Of Hope Cancer Patients
Contact Ann Victor
The Robbins Group
818-776-1244, ext.17
avictor@robbinsgrp.com
DUARTE, Calif. (March 8, 2002) -- LPGA Hall of Famer Amy Alcott and L.A. Lakers star Rick Fox today officially dedicated one of the first medical center putting greens in the country for cancer patients at City of Hope.
Donated by Torrance-based LA Greens, the putting green was installed as part of the activities surrounding the LPGA Office Depot Championship Hosted by Amy Alcott taking place April 1 7, 2002, hosted by title sponsor, Office Depot, Inc. The putting green will provide a vital form of recreational therapy for pediatric, young adult and adult cancer patients undergoing treatment at City of Hope.
"As a parent I am grateful that my children are well and healthy," Fox said. "I am also comforted to know that there are remarkable organizations like City of Hope that do such good work, by creating hope for those affected by cancer and truly make a big difference in the lives of children and their families."
The 750-square-feet putting green, which features five holes, is made of synthetic bent grass that allows players to both putt and chip like a natural putting green with very little maintenance required. It will also accommodate patients in wheel chairs and with IV poles.
"Golf has always been such an integral part of my life and brought me so much joy," Alcott said. "Now, as a member of the City of Hope family, it gives me great pleasure to help bring an aspect of this sport to those who can so greatly benefit from it."
For LA Greens owner Cary Ayakiyoshi, donating the putting green was really a simple decision and one that touches his heart.
"I have a very close friend being treated at City of Hope and I am impressed by the compassionate care he has received from physicians," Ayakiyoshi said. "The putting green is very much in line with City of Hope's belief that medicine is only one part of the recovery process. Now, cancer patients and their families have a way to enjoy leisurely activities while undergoing treatment, which bodes well for patients' recovery."
A leading biomedical research and treatment center, City of Hope combines leading-edge treatment with compassionate care to address the physical, social and emotional well being of patients who battle life-threatening diseases.
"We are fortunate to have not only the support of Amy Alcott, Rick Fox and Cary Ayakiyoshi, but the recreational services that will help patients cope with the physical and emotional effects of catastrophic illnesses," said Steve Solton, president and CEO-City of Hope Development. "The putting green dedicated today at City of Hope assures our patients and their families that we will rebuild patients' confidence and hope at the same time that we rebuild their health."
The Office Depot Championship Hosted by Amy Alcott is one of the premier stops on the 2002 LPGA schedule and will be played at El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana, Calif. Annika Sorenstam, the 2001 LPGA Rolex Player of the Year will return to the tournament to defend her title this year. Other top players scheduled to compete include Karrie Webb, Se Ri Pak, Juli Inkster, Lori Kane and Grace Park. City of Hope is the both the producer and charitable beneficiary of the event.
Tickets for the event are $15 per day Friday Sunday and $30 for a three-day pass. Children 17 and under are free. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling 213-480-3232 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For additional information about sponsorship, hospitality opportunities or volunteer opportunities at the Office Depot Championship Hosted by Amy Alcott contact the tournament office at 213-241-7399 or visit their Web site at www.officedepotgolf.com.
About City of Hope
The City of Hope National Medical Center and Beckman Research Institute, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center located in the Greater Los Angeles area, is one of the world's leading research and treatment centers for cancer and other serious diseases including diabetes and HIV/AIDS. At any given time, City of Hope is actively conducting more than 300 clinical trials. City of Hope's clinical research extends to transplantation for autoimmune diseases including lupus and multiple sclerosis. The work conducted at City of Hope is shared with medical centers worldwide, touching the lives of millions of people everywhere. For more information about how you can support City of Hope's lifesaving research and treatment programs, please call 1-800-260-HOPE, or visit the Web site at www.cityofhope.org. City of Hope Where the Power of Knowledge Saves Lives.