Minnesota Football Star Hosts Celebrity Golf Tournament to benefit Spare Key Foundation

The 2003 Derek Rackley Celebrity Classic golf tournament was started by the Atlanta Falcons player in 2002, and brings together national and local sports/media celebrities for a day of good golf and good will. Taking place June 9th at the Wilds Golf Club in Prior Lake, MN, this years tournament will benefit both the Derek Rackley Scholarship Fund and the Spare Key Foundation. Presented with Oprah Winfreys Use Your Life" Award in 2000, the Spare Key Foundations mission is to provide assistance to families impacted by the ongoing crisis and heartache of caring for a seriously ill child.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAY 1, 2003
CONTACT: Betsy Rackley
PHONE: (952) 447-1211
EMAIL: therackleys@mchsi.com

RACKLEY CHARITY TOURNAMENT GAINS STEAM FOR 2003

He was just a guy with an idea. A guy no different really, than Alexander Graham Bell or Albert Einstein. But Derek Rackley didnt set out to invent a telephone or discover the theory of relativity. He just wanted to find a way to give back to his hometown community. And its an idea that makes a difference -- an idea that can change peoples lives.

The 2003 Derek Rackley Celebrity Classic golf tournament does just that. Started by the Atlanta Falcons player in 2002, this celebrity golf tournament brings together national and local sports/media celebrities for a day of good golf and good will. The proceeds from the first tournament established a fund (now the Derek Rackley Scholarship Fund) that will provide scholarships for two Apple Valley High School students -- Rackleys alma mater. Ive always had a strong desire to give back to my community, and now I have the chance through my tournament," said Rackley. If I can help one student go to college and have the same opportunities I had, then its worth it."

Taking place June 9th at the Wilds Golf Club in Prior Lake, MN, this years tournament will benefit both the Derek Rackley Scholarship Fund and the Spare Key Foundation. Presented with Oprah Winfreys Use Your Life" Award in 2000, the Spare Key Foundations mission is to provide assistance to families impacted by the ongoing crisis and heartache of caring for a seriously ill child. Since Spare Keys 1997 inception, over 200 Minnesota families have received a one-time mortgage grant during an extended hospitalization. The foundation is the only non-profit organization in the United States that provides such a mortgage grant.

We chose Spare Key because of its unique mission and role as a lifeline for those in need," Rackley said. Spare Key gives families hope - which is what my tournament is all about."

For more information or registration, please contact Betsy Rackley at (952) 447-1211 or email at therackleys@mchsi.com.