SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Feb. 7, 2005 – Phil Mickelson was named this week’s Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium) Charity Challenge winner for his first-place standing entering the final round of the FBR Open. The Crestor Charity Challenge is a season-long competition that recognizes and rewards the tournament leader entering the final round at 35 PGA Tour events. Through the program, now in its second year, AstraZeneca will donate $3.5 million a year to designated health and PGA Tour charities.
For Mickelson’s performance, Crestor, an AstraZeneca pharmaceutical product, and the FBR Open will donate $50,000 to American Heart Association. In addition, $50,000 will be donated to the health care charity of Mickelson’s choice. Crestor Charity Challenge winners and the tournament’s designated charity, will be recognized during the network or cable telecast of each tournament.
“AstraZeneca’s continued support over the years has meant a great deal to the American Heart Association & American Stroke Association, especially in helping to sustain our community outreach programs,” says Karen LaPolice-Cummins, executive director of the American Heart Association in Phoenix. “This generous gift will enhance AHA’s Cultural Health Initiative programs by providing the financial support for continued outreach to Phoenix’s growing minority populations.”
Since 1924 the American Heart Association has helped protect people of all ages and ethnicities from the ravages of heart disease and stroke. The association invested more than $407 million in fiscal year 2002-03 for research, professional and public education, advocacy and community service programs so people across America can live stronger, longer lives. Visit the American Heart Association at www.americanheart.org or call 1-800-AHA-USA-1 (1-800-242-8721).
The Crestor Charity Challenge is the centerpiece of a multi-year PGA Tour partnership with AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN). Last year, AstraZeneca donated $2.7 million through the program. Highlights from the 2004 Crestor Charity Challenge included:
•More than 50 charities benefited from the program.
• Vijay Singh topped more than one money list in 2004, leading all players with five Crestor Charity Challenge wins.
• Tom Lehman was the only player to win three straight Crestor Charity Challenges.
• Adam Scott, who won twice, was the only other multiple winner.
•17 Crestor Charity Challenge winners went on to victory in their respective tournaments.
"After just one year, the Crestor Charity Challenge has become a visible extension of the PGA Tour's mission of giving back in local communities throughout America," said Tony Zook, senior vice president, commercial operations, AstraZeneca U.S. "Through AstraZeneca's support, the Crestor Charity Challenge will play a the PGA Tour's 'Drive to a Billion' charitable program."
Log on to www.crestor.pgatour.com to read about past Crestor Charity Challenge winners and learn more about Crestor. Crestor is the presenting sponsor of Tour Fantasy Golf at pgatour.com/fantasy and the PGA Tour’s year-end charity special that will air in December.
