Published: December 11, 2002
preview / download EVERY MOMENT COUNTS CAPTURES IMPACT OF PGA TOUR EVENTS
NBC Special Highlights PGA Tour Members & Those Who Benefit from Tournament Proceeds
NEW YORK — December 11, 2002 — A doctor and his wife dedicate themselves to repairing facial disfigurements of indigent children and young adults in third-world countries. A young boy from war-torn Somalia finds the necessary guidance to learn a new language and settle into a normal life in America. A gravely sick child is granted a selfless wish that benefits the children in his neighborhood.
Exceptional people, extraordinary stories. Its a message that resonates throughout the communities in which the PGA TOUR plays.
“Every Moment Counts,” a one-hour special airing on NBC Sunday, Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. ET, documents these and other examples of how lives are impacted through the hundreds of charities supported by PGA Tour events each year. Presented by the PGA Tour and PricewaterhouseCoopers, this program features PGA Tour players introducing each moving episode and the special individuals who dedicate themselves to assisting those in need.
Narrated by Emmy Award-winning actor John Spencer from The West Wing and produced by PGA Tour Productions, Every Moment Counts recaps special moments from the 2002 PGA TOUR season and highlights the following charities, which are supported by the accompanying PGA Tour event:
1) Operation Smile – Kemper Open, Washington, D.C.
Introduced by Tom Lehman
Forget the million-dollar smile. The most beautiful smile in the world may be the one that the Operation Smile team repairs on a child’s broken face … along with a broken heart.
2) Guide Dogs of the Desert – Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, Palm Springs, Calif.
Introduced by Matt Kuchar
Sometimes “hope” comes in four-legged packages. This is the story of how a blind woman was given back her independence the moment she was introduced to a redhead named Norman.
3) Boys & Girls Clubs – Buick Invitational, San Diego
Introduced by Craig Perks
Ahmed Farah came to America in search of a new home. Little did he know that he’d find it at the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Diego, where he since has given even more than he has received.
4) Homeward Bound – Phoenix Open
Introduced by Jesper Parnevik
The average age of a homeless person is nine years old. Most homeless families are headed by single mothers. Where do they turn for help? To an oasis in the Arizona desert where they learn that “homeless” doesn’t mean “helpless.”
5) Schneider Childrens Hospital – Champions Tour
Introduced by Ben Crenshaw
The human heart is the world’s most amazing machine, capable of beating over 40 million times a year. But for little Maria, the first few heartbeats of her new life told doctors that she was in danger. It’s the story of how the money raised at a Champions Tour event literally made the difference between life and death for a little girl.
6) Make-A-Wish Foundation – Shell Houston Open
Introduced by Jim Furyk
Mention the Make-A-Wish Foundation to most people and what they hear is make a “dying” wish. But the Make-A-Wish Foundation isn’t about “dying” kids, it’s about “fighting” kids. We are introduced to a four-year-old boy who wanted his wish to benefit others more than himself.
Charity has been such a fundamental part of the PGA Tour over the years and the impact our players and tournaments have on the communities in which they play is an ongoing priority of our organization, said Donna Orender, PGA Tour Senior Vice President, Strategic Development. Every Moment Counts gives all of us the chance to celebrate what’s possible with heart, hope and desire. It’s a terrific story, especially during this time of the year, and truly reflects that giving back is at the heart of the PGA Tour.
Giving back is evident in the millions of dollars raised through PGA Tour tournaments each year and the nearly $700 million generated since the first contribution was made in 1938. And it is particularly evident in the faces of those who are directly impacted by this generosity.
PricewaterhouseCoopers is the Official Professional Services Firm of the PGA Tour, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour. It also presents the PGA Tours Fall Finish and Performance Statistics, which involve player statistics in each tournament and ongoing weekly statistical updates for all three Tours.
Contact: Chris Smith, 904/273-3379
