CCGI celebrity, charity event back bigger than ever

Montego Bay, Jamaica

COME June 24-28, Jamaica will welcome some of America's top celebrities as they join the Caribbean Classic Golf Invitational (CCGI) at the fifth staging of the celebrity tournament and charity event.

The event is being hosted by the Risarc/CCGI Foundation, founded by Jamaican-born Richard Stephenson, whose vision is to create ways for improving the livelihood of his birthplace by laying the foundation for a generation of future leaders.

Tomorrow's leaders

Stephenson's vision, realised through the Risarc/CCGI Foun-dation, provides computers to create computer learning centres to enable Jamaica's children to compete in today's highly technological society - ultimately building them into tomorrow's leaders.

Stephenson is also president of Risarc, a leading healthcare consulting and software solutions firm with headquarters in Burbank, California.

"After realising the limited resources available to provide children with early hands on training with computers, we made the commitment to ensure that every primary school in Jamaica is equipped with the educational tools critical to succeed in this digital era," said Stephenson.

Since its inception in 2005, the charity event's participants have included government officials, leading business executives and A-list celebrities. Celebrity alumni include actor and comedian Cedric 'The Entertainer', comedian and radio personality Steve Harvey, basketball legend Julius 'Dr J' Erving, TV host and actor Bill Bellamy, actors Anthony Anderson, Tommy Davidson, Jeffrey Anderson-Gunter, Kiki Shepherd, Sandra 'Pepa' Denton, former NFL player Tony Siragusa, TV personality Jack Ford, and supermodels Julie and Chandra Costello, just to name a few.

To date, the monetary value of the computers donated by the foundation to primary schools exceeds US$400,000.

This year's goal is to donate 400 brand new Dell computers, establishing even more computer learning centres. With this goal in mind, the event is bigger than ever with the return of 'Champions of Champions II' Muay Thai Fight Night.

Now in its fifth year, the scheduled activities range from a star-studded VIP welcome party and culture night on Wednesday, June 24, to the Pro/Celebrity Golf Tournament and Black Tie gala, with awards presentation ceremony on Saturday, June 27.

Amateur scramble Golf

Other events in between include an amateur scramble golf tournament and comedy showcase hosted by Cedric 'The Entertainer' taking place on Thursday, June 25. Friday, June 26, will be a press briefing, beachathon and the return of the exciting 'Champions of Champions II' Muay Thai fight in which fighters from 12 countries will be battling in 10 world title fights. Event website: www.istreamyoustream.com.