The 2015 Julius Erving Golf Classic Welcomed Guests and Celebrities to Philadelphia in Support of the Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) September 16, 2015

The legendary experience finally arrived and brought with it three days of excitement, golf, celebrities and athletes all joining to help raise funds and awareness for the Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia. The inaugural Julius Erving Golf Classic (JEGC), hosted by Julius Erving, was held at the Rittenhouse Hotel, with a golf tournament, which was ultimately won by former Toronto Blue Jays baseball star Joe Carter and his team, at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Penn. Actor Alan Thicke took home the second place trophy after an intense scorecard playoff against fellow actor George Lopez.

"This year's event certainly exceeded my expectations. The Philadelphia community has done so much for me and my career, it was nice to do something that gave back and helped support such an important cause for young people," said Erving. "I would like to thank everyone that attended the event and all the sponsors who supported us. I'm looking forward to many more."

The three day event kicked off on Saturday, Sept. 11 with the Erving Youth Basketball Clinic at the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center. Through the clinic, which Erving hosted with his daughter Jazmin, Founder and Executive Director of GRAB A BALL & PLAY Foundation, which gave a free basketball to all 100+ kids in attendance, the Erving's spent time with the kids and provided coaching and feedback on the game. The Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach, Brett Brown, along with announcer Christian Crosby and students from the men's and women's basketball teams at Philadelphia University, joined the Erving's participating in drills with the kids and teaching them the tips of the trade. The Dorys Erving Fit Youth Foundation (DEFY), provided healthy lunches to all the participants.

The following day, the Rittenhouse Hotel hosted the illustrious Erving Ball and Red Carpet Pairings Party. At the Black Tie event, guests mixed and mingled, dazzling in tuxedos and gorgeous gowns, while sipping on signature Erving cocktails presented by CASAMIGOS Tequila. During the evening, Erving spoke about the passing of friend and fellow Sixer alumnus, Moses Malone, sharing with guest's fond memories they shared. Erving dedicated the evening to celebrating his life and honoring his memory. Guests were then treated to a surprise performances by saxophone player Mike Phillips and the lead singer of Earth Wind and Fire, Philip Bailey. Phillips invited Erving and his wife to the dance floor for a musical serenade of Reasons. During the song, Bailey surprised Erving and guests and performed alongside Phillips while Erving and his wife danced. Bailey invited all guests to the dance floor and closed with the hit song September. Zacapa Rum also served signature event cocktails to guests.

On the final day, September 14, guests headed out bright and early for Aronimink Golf Club to tee-it-up at the Erving Golf Classic tournament. During the golf tournament, guests enjoyed the on-course Erving Museum during play. Erving went through the course engaging and taking pictures with each group and telling the story behind each image and iconic moments that were displayed on each hole. At the same time, the ladies were enjoying Champagne and Caviar in the famed Aronimink Clubhouse hosted by wife Dorys Erving, then joined golf guests for the closing ceremony presented by the Delta and the 76ers. The gifting suite for the guests at the golf course was presented by Mitchell & Ness.

Notable names that attended the three-day event included: Julius Erving, Alonzo Mourning, Rick Barry, Doug Overton, Gerald Henderson, Reggie Jackson, Joe Carter, John LeClair, George Lopez, Cedric The Entertainer, Alan Thicke, Jay Harris, Vivica A. Fox, Seema Sadekar, Mike Phillips, Joey Sommerville and Phillip Bailey.

ABOUT THE JULIUS ERVING GOLF CLASSIC: The event, run by Play Golf Designs, Inc., benefits the Salvation Army, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing comfort, food, shelter and care to the needy around the world. VIP Packages for the Julius Erving Golf Classic can be tailored to include golf, hospitality, and invitations to the private parties. For information on Erving tickets, packages and experiences call Play Golf Designs Inc. 310.926.4075 or email info(at)playgolfdesigns(dot)com. For media inquiries: Rachel Rees: Rachel(at)pgdglobal(dot)com.

ABOUT ARONIMINK GOLF CLUB: Aronimink Golf Club's Donald Ross-designed course has a rich history in golf, and is consistently rated one of the finest and most challenging in the US. The course has played host to the PGA Championship, the Senior PGA Championship , the AT&T National, hosted by Tiger Woods, and the U.S. Amateur and will also host the 2018 BMW Championship, an official stop on the PGA TOUR. http://www.aronimink.org/

ABOUT PLAY GOLF DESIGNS INC.: Play Golf Designs, Inc. (PGD) is a marketing & events company, directing and participating in luxury events for some of the world's most legendary athletes, entertainers and organizations including Clippers Assistant Coach Mike Woodson, Julius Erving, Jeffrey Osborne, The Broadcasters Foundation of America, Jerome Williams and Jonathan Ogden. PGD blends pop culture and entertainment, creating the most unique, innovative golf events and experiences for each client. The Las-Vegas based golf company specializes in connecting golf to the modern world of trends and fashion. Operating events and experiences all around the country, PGD has successfully built strong relationships with some of the game's biggest clients, partners and vendors.

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