Champions Tour to Support Victims of Bridge Tragedy

Champions Tour officials have announced that the 3M Championship to be played at the TPC Twin Cities Golf Course in Blaine, Minn., will support local efforts related to the bridge-collapse tragedy. The 54-hole event is set for August 3-5.

As part of its support, the tournament will donate additional funds to the local Red Cross over and above the charity dollars already earmarked for Abbott Northwestern, United, Mercy and Unity Hospitals.

"The Champions Tour is about giving back to the communities we serve and our players and staff felt the best way to honor and help those affected by this terrible tragedy is to ensure that our players could assist in supporting local efforts by playing this long-standing event that has such a strong charitable history in the Twin Cities area," said Champions Tour president, Rick George. "By playing as scheduled, we allow the tournament's revenue streams of the pro-am being played today and the official competition over the weekend to continue, which will ensure charitable dollars already earmarked will be available."

Bob MacDonald, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the event's sponsor, 3M Corporation, added: "Our thoughts today are with all those affected by the tragic bridge collapse. 3M Championship charitable contributions this year are directed at emergency services. In addition, the 3M Foundation and 3M employees will make contributions to the local American Red Cross chapter."

"The 3M Championship has annually raised millions of dollars for local hospitals since 1993. We will continue to do that this year and in the future," said the 3M Championship's Executive Director, Hollis Cavner. "In the wake of the recent tragedy in our community, we will additionally raise money for the Minnesota Red Cross through on-site efforts this weekend with support from the tournament, the players and the Champions Tour."

For more details about the tournament, visit www.3mchampionship.com.