Wednesday, January 07 2009
To commemorate its 10th Anniversary, the Montecristo Cup Charity Pro-Am golf tournament returned to the venue where it all began in 1999. This past December 3rd through 7th, over 120 amateurs and PGA professionals enjoyed what leading Champion's Tour Pro Dana Quigley has called, "by far, the best pro-am on the planet." The event included three days of world-class golf at two of Casa de Campo's famous courses - the legendary Teeth of the Dog and the spectacular Dye Fore.
In addition, guests enjoyed gourmet dining at the resort's great restaurants, unlimited premium cigars from Altadis U.S.A. and the wonderful camaraderie both on and off the golf course that sets this event apart and brings participants back year after year.
As always, proceeds from the tournament benefit The Montecristo Relief Organization, which was founded in 1999 to provide ongoing aid after two devastating hurricanes caused unimaginable death and suffering in the Dominican Republic and other areas of the Caribbean. Over the years, the charity has funded the building of homes, schools and medical facilities. Hundreds of wheelchairs have been donated for the sick and injured. Scholarships have been provided for children who would otherwise have not received educations. Economic opportunities, such as tilapia fish farms, have been created to provide the needy with sustainable incomes. Funds have been donated to Operation Smile to bring new hope to children with severe facial deformities. One recent project of note is the building of 100 homes in Honduras on land purchased with funds from the Montecristo Relief Organization. Additional aid has included over $1 million raised by the charity together with Altadis U.S.A. that was donated to the American Red Cross to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Along with great golf, the charity event featured a silent auction that generated spirited bidding on such desirable items as handcrafted humidors with boxes of Altadis U.S.A. cigars, original prints and paintings by celebrated artists, autographed sports memorabilia, luxury jewelry and watches, golf equipment and more.
At the live auction, held during the Awards Banquet on Saturday evening, guests bid on such exclusive, one-of-a-kind items as a cruise for eight on a private luxury yacht, five nights at a private ski chalet in Vail, golf rounds for foursomes at exclusive private clubs and a vacation at Casa de Campo that included a tour of the famous Tabacalera de García and 200 cigars crafted to the bidder's personal preferences by celebrated master blender José Seijas.
"The event was a huge success," said Jim Colucci, Altadis U.S.A.'s Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing. "We are delighted that we can continue to build homes and provide other aid for those in need, and we offer our sincere gratitude to everyone who participated." £
