21st Annual Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational to take place Feb. 19th – 21st, 2009

Nov. 23, 2008 - PRLog -- Indian Wells,  Calif.  --  The 21st  Frank Sinatra Starkey Hearing Foundation Celebrity Invitational will be held February 19 – 21, 2009.  The celebrity-amateur golf tournament will be played at the legendary Indian Wells Country Club.  The Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa in Indian Wells is the host hotel and location for three theme parties and a Black Tie Gala as well as the annual Luncheon & Fashion show.  This much-anticipated annual affair is a marquee golf and fundraising event which benefits the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center at Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, California.  This year’s theme is “Lucky 21”.

Known as “Frank’s little party in the desert,” Barbara and Frank Sinatra founded the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational in 1988 to raise funds for the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center which opened in 1986. Through their efforts, and those of supporters around the world, the Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational is now one of the most successful events of its kind.

“This annual event meant the world to Frank.  He would be immensely proud to see how it’s grown and remains a major contributing source to the Children’s Center that he loved so much,” offers Barbara Sinatra.  “To our wonderful supporters all across the country and beyond, I offer my appreciation for helping us to do the valuable work that’s done at the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center.  Join us for our Lucky 21 events.”

The stars will be shining as Hollywood turns out to enjoy the festivities and support the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center.  The legendary Dick Van Dyke will join Barbara Sinatra as the 2009 co-host.  Comedian Tom Dreesen, funny man for Frank Sinatra for countless years and performances, will return as the official Emcee.

Spectacular entertainment will again be a part of the Lucky 21 Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational events.  The award winning Gatlin Brothers will perform at the Friday night dinner.  Comedian Gary Mule Deer, deemed ‘the funniest man on the planet” by Entertainment Tonight, will add his wit to the evening.

The always spectacular Black Tie Gala on Saturday evening will feature Barbara’s Surprise, a nationally recognized entertainer of major appeal.  Past Gala entertainers have included such superstars as Liza Minnelli, Harry Connick, Jr., Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, and Frank Sinatra himself.

The schedule of events for the 2009 Lucky 21 Frank Sinatra Starkey Hearing Foundation Celebrity Invitational :

Thursday, February 19

Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa
     Tournament Registration & Reception in “Frank’s Place,” Lobby Court
     Tournament logo merchandise available for purchase in “Frank’s Place”
     Silent Auction Opens
     Dinner & Pairings Party:  Pasta Italiano and Concerto Karaoke

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20

Indian Wells Country Club
     21st Frank Sinatra Starkey Hearing Foundation Celebrity Invitational  First Round
     Indian Wells Country Club Cove and Classic Courses
     Contestant Breakfast available in the Clubhouse
     Contestant Lunch on the golf courses, donated by area restaurants
     Logo merchandise available for purchase – Golf Course , Retail Tent
Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa – Emerald Ballroom
     Silent Auction
     Luncheon & Fashion Show featuring the designs of Fe Zandi
     Dinner: Frank’s Favoriti Italiano, Silent & Live Auctions
     Entertainment by the Gatlin Brothers, one of the country’s most successful country and
     western acts and Gary Mule Deer, comedian and country singer/musician

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Indian Wells Country Club
     21st Frank Sinatra Starkey Hearing Foundation Celebrity Invitational  Final Round
     Indian Wells Country Club Cove and Classic Courses
     Contestant Breakfast available in the Clubhouse
     Contestant Lunch on the golf courses, donated by area restaurants
     Logo merchandise available for purchase – Golf Course , Retail Tent
Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa – Emerald Ballroom
     Platinum Circle Private Reception
     Reception & Black Tie Gala
     Entertainment: “Barbara’s Surprise”, a Nationally Recognized Entertainer

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center at Eisenhower
     Open House hosted by Barbara Sinatra  –  Eisenhower campus, Rancho Mirage, CA


Visit http://www.franksinatragolf.org for updates on events, information for ticket purchases, and list of celebrity participants.  The Tournament Office may be reached by calling (760)674-8447 or (800) FS STARS.


About Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center
The mission of the nonprofit Barbara Sinatra Children's Center is to provide counseling for victims of physical, sexual and emotional child abuse, and to focus on prevention, community education and breaking the cycle of abuse.  Services are provided regardless of a family's ability to pay. The Children’s Center is a Federally registered 501.c.3 nonprofit organization.