June 6, 2006 – Among the celebrities slated to play in the Celebrity Golf Classic on Saturday are NBA Atlanta Hawks player Salim Stoudamire, BET and TBS host Mia Butler, the New York Giants player Mitchell Smith, and "Barker Beauty" Kathleen Brady Redd.
Returning golfers include former Chicago Bear Willie Gault, M'fundo Morrison of "General Hospital" and Tanya Roberts of "That 70s Show."
The Celebrity Golf Classic is an annual fundraiser for the Foundation for the University of the Virgin Islands.
Events kicked off Friday with a press conference at the Buccaneer Hotel. And golfers teed off Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Carambola Golf Club. The awards ceremony begins at 3 p.m. The event then moves to the Divi Carina Bay Casino at 9 p.m.
UVI President LaVerne E. Ragster welcomed celebrities from athletics and the entertainment industry on Friday. "When someone in your presence has excelled through dedication, it is a powerful thing."
Ragster said she hopes sports clinics will inspire children.
Children ages 9-15 were invited to the UVI campus for free sports clinics that featured tips and training with current and former NFL and NBA players, along with star golfer Andia Winslow.
Winslow, a current LPGA tour player, is the first African American to play golf in the Ivy League – at Yale. Winslow led the Youth Golf Clinic at the Carambola Golf Club.
The youth basketball clinic was led by Trailblazers coach and retired NBA player Maurice Lucas as well as retired Seattle Supersonics player Gus Williams.
Retired NFL Detroit Lions player Robert Porcher III said this fundraiser is a great opportunity. "Being in the friendly atmosphere of St. Croix makes me want to role up my sleeves and get involved."
Porcher, along with retired Philadelphia Eagles player Tim Walton and current Atlanta Falcons player Ashley Ambrose, led the youth football clinic.
Last year Walton took second in the tournament, and this year he's aiming for first.
"I hope the UVI Foundation continues with growing momentum," Walton said.
Ragster said the Foundation funds scholarships, enrichment programs and study abroad programs for the only place in the territory that offers a higher education.
The fundraiser generates money through registration fees and corporate support. On each team three V.I. golfers are teamed along with one celebrity.
On-site registration is $125.
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