Thursday, March 20, 2008

Donation in George Lopez's name made by the Chrysler Classic by CC

RANCHO MIRAGE - A week after announcing George Lopez will no longer be the host of its tournament, the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic has announced a $60,000 donation to the National Kidney Foundation of Southern California in the name of Lopez and his wife."We are proud to be in a position to help the National Kidney Foundation with their endeavors," said Dave Erwin, president of the Classic.

"We thought it fitting that this gesture comes from George and Ann Lopez, who serve the National Kidney Foundation, and served our tournament with such high regard for excellence."

George Lopez received a kidney transplant from his wife in 2005 and the couple have been spokespeople for the foundation ever since.

In a statement announcing the gift, which comes from the Classic's special grants fund, Lopez said: "I have enjoyed hosting the tournament for the past two years and I am grateful for the Classic's donation to the National Kidney Foundation of Southern California. Many lives will benefit as a result of their generosity."

Lopez did not return calls from The Desert Sun last week when the Classic announced he would not return as host of the PGA Tour event after hosting the event in 2007 and 2008.

The $60,000 will go to the foundation's Kidney Early Evaluation Program, designed to screen those at increased risk for kidney disease because of high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease. The funds will be used for screenings in the Coachella Valley.

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