The 11th Annual Jalen Rose Golf Classic Draws Record Crowd To Raise Money For Scholars Presented By Tom Gores & Platinum Equity, A PGD Global Production

DETROIT, Aug. 31, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In support of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy (JRLA), sports legends, champions and local celebrities joined guests for the 11th Annual JRLA Celebrity Golf Classic August 22-23. The weekend was hosted by ABC/ESPN analyst, former NBA Star and University of Michigan "Fab Five" member Jalen Rose. The highly anticipated and sold out event raised over $100,000 to benefit the public charter high school on the Northwest side of Detroit.

The annual event began on Sunday, August 22 with celebrities and guests arriving at MGM Grand Detroit, the official host hotel, before heading over to a limited attendance Kick-Off Pairings Party presented by Central Kitchen & Bar in downtown Detroit. Guests arrived in style and enjoyed contemporary American cuisine as well as specialty cocktails presented by Highclere Castle Gin, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Cheurlin Champagne and D'Usse throughout the evening.

On the morning of Monday, August 23, the historic Detroit Golf Club hosted the 11th Annual Jalen Rose Leadership Academy Celebrity Golf Classic presented by Tom Gores and Platinum Equity. Each golfer received a gift bag featuring PUMA brand apparel and other premium items during drive-up registration.

Participants were greeted by Jalen Rose and host Seema Sadekar for opening ceremonies on the putting green overlooking the beautiful first fairway. Jalen and Seema welcomed and thanked all of the partners and participants then introduced the celebrity guests playing in the tournament field. Celebrity highlights this year included first-timers Calvin "Megatron" Johnson and Willie Mack III.

After the shotgun start, the DJ continued to spin through out the day and as guests made the turn, they enjoyed a special "Tito's At The Turn" experience featuring specialty Tito's Handmade Vodka cocktails. All participants had the opportunity at a hole-in-one challenge to win a new JEEP vehicle. Guests tracked their scoring live on handled devices sponsored by Others First. Each tee-box on both North and South courses featured a "JRLA Future Leader" sign highlighting the success of various JRLA students with an associated sponsor. Jalen made his way around the course to greet all guests and take pictures while cheering them on and hitting a few shots.

After the round, ESPN presented the official JRLA Celebrity Golf Classic Playoffs, featuring a $5,000 Putting Challenge and a One-Million Dollar Shot Challenge. Guests then gathered around the Clubhouse Lounge presented by Highclere Castle Gin and Navigant Oak for dinner and an awards ceremony for top finishing groups. Other presenting partners included Rockford Construction (birdie), JP Morgan Private Bank (driving range) and Dick's Sporting Goods (putting green).

"What began as a dream for my old neighborhood has become a reality. Despite the unprecedented and challenging year, we are humbled to have just completed our tenth year of operations," said Rose. "We are hopeful to return to a more traditional method of instruction for the upcoming school year so our scholars can return to a quality educational experience without distractions. We get zero state funding for our facility which is why this event is so paramount for our success. I truly appreciate all those who supported our efforts whether in person or form afar!"

Since 2018, JRLA has distributed a leadership award in conjunction with the celebratory weekend. The award recognizes those who are truly dedicated to the mission of uplifting the JRLA scholars. The 2021 JRLA Leadership Award recipients were Stephen Ross, Tom & Holly Gores and the Davis Elkins Foundation for their donation of $1 Million each to support the launch of the Academy's capital campaign. JRLA is in the midst of a $6 Million raise to expand its existing facility with a much needed high school gymnasium, locker rooms, weight room, additional classrooms and a dedicated main entrance.

The event continues to be tremendous pillar for success for JRLA and again proves to be the premier celebrity, lifestyle and golf event in Detroit. For additional 2021 and previous year highlights, please visit the official tournament website http://www.jalenrosegolfclassic.com.

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ABOUT JALEN ROSE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Jalen Rose Leadership Academy (JRLA) is an open enrollment, tuition-free public charter high school. The Academy began its first academic year in September 2011 and currently serves 425 ninth through twelfth grade scholars and over 600 alumni from metro-Detroit. JRLA works to empower its scholars to develop the strength of character, skills and knowledge needed to matriculate, be great in and graduate from college or a post-secondary institution so they have opportunities to be successful in the competitive world and take care of themselves and the people they love. JRLA is off to a strong start, having graduated more than 97 percent of its scholars with 100 percent of all graduates gaining college, trade/technical school or military acceptance. JRLA has achieved a 74% college matriculation rate within a year of graduation compared to a state average of 67% and continues to focus on improving college persistence for its alumni. More info: http://jrladetroit.com

ABOUT PGD GLOBAL
Play Golf Designs, Inc. (PGD Global) is a golf marketing & event company, directing and participating in luxury events for some of the world's most legendary athletes, brands, entertainers and organizations. PGD blends pop culture and entertainment, creating the most unique, innovative golf events and experiences for each client. PGD Global focuses on celebrating diversity and inclusion in golf while welcoming women to the game with open arms. Specializing in connecting golf to the modern world of trends and fashion, PGD Global operates golf and lifestyle events and experiences all around the country and virtually, welcoming new golfers and businesses to the game. Visit http://www.pgdglobal.com. Follow PGD Global on Twitter or Instagram at @PGDGlobal or on Facebook at facebook.com/PlayGolfDesigns.

ABOUT PLATINUM EQUITY
Platinum Equity is a global investment firm founded by Tom Gores. With $13 billion of assets under management and a portfolio of more than 30 operating companies, the firm specializes in mergers, acquisitions and operations ? a trademarked strategy it calls M&A&O® ? acquiring and operating companies in a broad range of different sectors.

ABOUT MGM GRAND DETROIT
The only Forbes Four-Star hotel in Detroit, the AAA Four Diamond Award-winning MGM Grand Detroit is the city's first and only downtown hotel, gaming and entertainment destination built from the ground up. The hotel features 400 chic and stylish guest rooms, including nine rooftop VIP suites and 56 opulent corner suites. Guests enjoy signature restaurants including Detroit's new modern steakhouse & lounge, D.PRIME; the hotel's own sports pub, TAP at MGM Grand Detroit; casual dining options; several bars and lounges; Detroit's premier sports betting destination, BetMGM Sports Lounge; and the only Topgolf Swing Suite and only resort-style spa in Southeast Michigan. More than 30,000 square feet of meeting space hosts everything from large corporate events to intimate black-tie affairs. MGM Grand Detroit is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit mgmgranddetroit.com or call toll free at (877) 888-2121.

Media Contact

Nisha Sadekar, PGD GLOBAL, 3109264075, [email protected]

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