Magnificent Moments auction Tartan Art balls for charity

Magnificent Moments, an officially sanctioned charitable fundraising campaign for the 39th Ryder Cup, announced on Friday, September 21, 2012 that five of the premier golf balls from the campaign's "Tartan Art on the Avenue" public art exhibit will be auctioned to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC®-CNI) and The Illinois PGA Foundation.

The online-eBay auction will begin on Monday, September 24, and conclude at 6 p.m. CDT on Monday, October 1. Auction information is available at www.ebay.com/magnificentmoments.

"'Tartan Art on the Avenue' has provided a wonderful exhibit for the people of Chicago and throughout the world to join in on the celebration of the most prestigious events in golf," said Doug Porter, CEO of RMHC-CNI. "We are honored to have this unique collection of golf balls supported by many of Chicago's corporations, professional sports teams, celebrities, athletes and artists. The auction of these one-of-a-kind works of art will raise awareness and important funds for the ongoing works of these two great charities."

The five golf balls include the last piece of work created by legendary artist LeRoy Neiman before he passed away in June 2012. Neiman's golf ball will be signed by U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Davis Love III, European Ryder Cup Captain José María Olazábal and each of the 12 players on the 2012 U.S. and European Ryder Cup teams. The golf ball is described as an ode to one of Neiman's heroes, abstract impressionist Jackson Pollock, and was created by Neiman in his capacity as the chairman of the "Tartan Art on the Avenue" exhibit. The ball memorializes Neiman's vibrantly colored, stunningly energetic images of sporting events and leisure activities.

The other four golf balls for auction are as follows:

" A golf ball featuring Chicago sports icon and Basketball Hall of Fame member Michael Jordan's famed "Jumpman" logo, painted by Chicago artist Ron Jelinek and autographed by Jordan.
" A golf ball titled "European Stars Over Chicago" presented by European Ryder Cup team member Luke Donald, who partnered with fellow Northwestern University graduate Morgan Krehbiel; the ball is signed by European Ryder Cup Captain José María Olazábal and each member of the 2012 European Ryder Cup team.
" A European Ryder Cup team golf ball inspired by Olazábal, painted by Chicago artist Susan Kissinger and signed by all 2012 European Ryder Cup team members.
" A "Chronology of Love" ball, depicting the inspirations of United States Captain Davis Love III; Love collaborated with Chicago artist Annamarie Buchanan for this U.S. Ryder Cup team golf ball.

In addition to the "Tartan Art on the Avenue" exhibit, the Magnificent Moments campaign will be hosting the "Bagpipes & Blues" International Pep Rally event on September 27, the eve of the opening day of Ryder Cup match play. Blending the cultures of Europe and Chicago, this event at the Field Museum will provide a spectacular evening set against Chicago's stunning skyline, allowing attendees the opportunity to indulge in elegant dishes celebrating the Ryder Cup and Chicago culinary favorites, while enjoying music ranging from Chicago Blues to Scottish bagpipes. A premium bar and a world-class auction supporting the campaign's two magnificent charities will round out the festivities.

The "Bagpipes & Blues" event is open to the public, with tickets available for purchase. In addition, a limited number of Ryder Cup daily tickets are available through the Magnificent Moments campaign. For tickets or information about Magnificent Moments, visit www.magnificentmoments.org.

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About the 2012 Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup, among the last great professional sporting events where winning, and not prize money, is its own reward, spans 38 competitions over 85 years. The competition was born in 1927, when enterprising English seed merchant Samuel Ryder commissioned the casting of a gold trophy that bears his name. The U.S. Team defeated Great Britain, 9½ to 2½, in the inaugural matches in Worcester, Mass. The Ryder Cup, recognized as the pre-eminent international team event in golf, has since expanded to involve the finest players of Europe. The United States has posted 25 victories, Great Britain/Europe has won 11 times, and there have been two ties. Europe currently has possession of the Ryder Cup trophy, thanks to a thrilling 14½-13½ victory over the United States in October 2010 in Wales. The 39th Ryder Cup will be held Sept. 25-30 at Medinah (Ill.) Country Club.

Media Site: www.rydercup.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RyderCupTeamUSA
Twitter: www.twitter.com/RyderCupTeamUSA

About The PGA of America
Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, The PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry. By creating and delivering world-class championships and innovative programs, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. As The PGA nears its centennial, the PGA brand represents the very best in golf.

About the Illinois PGA Foundation
The Illinois PGA Foundation is a 501 © 3 organization that serves as the charitable arm of the Illinois Section PGA, one of the forty-one geographical regions that comprises the Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA of America). Established in 1991, the organization focuses its community efforts on promoting the goodwill and growth of the game with an emphasis on activities that benefit youth. Learn more at www.IPGA.com/Foundation.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana
Caring for families of children with complex medical needs by providing comfort, compassion, and community, RMHC®-CNI keeps families together in a 'home away from home'. RMHC-CNI recently opened the world's largest Ronald McDonald House® near Lurie Children's, helping more families than ever before. To learn more, visit www.RonaldHouseChicago.org.