Howie Long Classic Charity Tournament Moves to Atlantic City

After more than a decade as one of the largest charity golf tournaments in the area, the Howie Long Classic has expanded and moved to the Atlantic City area. The annual event, which is run by The Blue White Scholarship Foundation, is hosted by NFL Hall of Famer and former Villanova standout Howie Long. It raises money for Villanova students who have been identified as outstanding college juniors and seniors who need financial aid to complete their college careers.

This year's event will begin with a VIP reception in the Foundation Room of The House of Blues at the Showboat Casino on Thursday June 15. Long will be on hand, along with many of his friends from the world of sports. After the reception there will be a live concert, beginning at 9 p.m., in the Club Harlem Ballroom of The House of Blues by one of the region's most celebrated party bands, the Chatterband. On Friday, June 16 the golf tournament will be held on both courses of the Marriott Seaview Resort, on the outskirts of Atlantic City.

"We have had a successful tournament, so making the move was a difficult choice," explained Blue White executive director Bob Capone. "However the joint efforts of Seaview, The House of Blues and The Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority assured us that we will be able to grow the tournament in Atlantic City.

As for Long the decision was much easier. "The ability to come to Atlantic City and spend two days with so many friends that have supported the event over the years is a win-win situation," said Long who, along with his wife Diane, are both Villanova graduates who have consistently given back to the university. "The foundation will be able to raise more money and I'll be able to spend more time with those who come to support it. Now it's not just a golf tournament, it's a two day party."

A big part of the impetus behind the move came from Long's classmate, Mike Grozier, one of the founders of the House of Blues chain of restaurants, who is now vice president and general manager of the Atlantic City House of Blues.

"I've been supporting Howie's tournament from the beginning and attending most of them," said Grozier. "I realized that, with all that Atlantic City has to offer, the opportunity was there to really pump up the entertainment quotient of the event. Our goal is to make this year's Howie Long Classic the most unforgettable and entertaining one to date."

A spot in the golf tournament can be reserved for $350 by calling the Blue White Scholarship foundation at 610/519-0777. Tickets for the VIP reception at the House of Blue and the dance party with the Chatterband are available at the same outlet and priced at $125.