Six special needs children to receive adaptive tricycles at the tournament

Variety of Eastern Tennessee is proud to announce that on Monday, May 2, it will be hosting its annual golf tournament at Willow Creek Golf Club. Butch Jones, the University of Tennessee football coach, will be on the course with the participating teams at the sold out golf event. Prior to the start of the tournament at 8:15 a.m., six area special needs children will be presented with adaptive tricycles, given on behalf of Variety and the Kid’s on the Go! program.

“Regal is honored to partner with such a great organization like Variety. This tournament continues to raise funds that go towards purchasing more adaptive tricycles, and get them into the hands of those worthy families,” said Greg Dunn, President and Chief Operating Officer of Regal Entertainment Group. “Regal would also like to thank Butch Jones for his time and support of Variety. With his continued involvement with this golf tournament, he shows the importance of making a difference off the field.”

Coach Jones will play one hole with every foursome in the tournament during each round. The tournament includes breakfast, lunch, a goody bag and pictures with Coach Jones. Presenting sponsors are Pilot Flying J, Largo Theatre Construction and Regal Entertainment Group. The six recipients of the adaptive tricycles will be in attendance with their families at the golf course.

“With the support of local businesses throughout the community, either financially or through volunteer work, has made this a special event. This golf tournament has raised awareness on Variety and our Kid’s on the Go! program,“ said Carol Fusco, Executive Director of Variety of Eastern Tennessee. “We are thankful for everyone involved who made it possible to present six children with adaptive tricycles on Monday morning.”

Variety of Eastern Tennessee was founded by Regal Cinemas in 2001. A longtime supporter of Variety’s national organization, Regal created the local chapter in Knoxville to channel support directly to children in the local community. Today, Variety of Eastern Tennessee uses its entertainment partnerships to fundraise in unique and exciting ways. Each year the charity partners with a studio to bring Hollywood stars to town with a new film for what has become Knoxville’s biggest annual star-studded charity event. Each year Variety also hosts celebrity golf events, NASCAR races and Academy Award parties to help raise significant funds for local children’s agencies.

Variety of Eastern Tennessee has donated more than $9 million to underprivileged, disadvantaged children and children with special needs through local groups such as: East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, Emerald Youth Foundation’s Just Lead programs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Eastern Tennessee, Child Advocacy Centers, Mission of Hope, Second Harvest Food Banks’ Food for Kids Programs, Catholic Charities’ Columbus House, Tennessee School for the Deaf and The Empty Stocking Fund.