FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                           

Contact: Jodi Fallecker 304-345-5556

The Appalachian Education Initiative – the West Virginia Affiliate of The Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network (KCAAEN) – to Participate in The Greenbrier Classic Through Badges for Charity Program

Charleston, WV (December 1, 2009) - The Appalachian Education Initiative (AEI) – the West Virginia affiliate for The Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network (KCAAEN) -  has partnered with The Greenbrier Classic to sell weekly badges for the biggest golf event in West Virginia history. The Greenbrier Classic, which will be held July 26 – August 1, 2010, will be played on the historic, links-style Old White, The Greenbrier’s first 18-hole course. To support AEI, simply go to www.greenbrierclassic.com and select Badges for Charity. Then, select the badge level you wish to purchase and select AEI from the drop-down menu. AEI will receive 30% of the proceeds of all badges purchased on our behalf between now and February 26. Weekly badges for the event range from $147 to $5,000 each.

“This is an historic opportunity for AEI to partner with The Greenbrier Classic in order to fundraise and show support for the arts, including discussing the critical connection between the arts and athletics,” said Lou Karas, AEI’s Executive Director. “Additionally, The Greenbrier has been a supporter of the arts since its existence.”

The Grounds badge provides tournament admittance for the entire week for $147. The $275 Benefactor badge includes entry to select air-conditioned hospitality tents, as well as premium food and beverage options. Alumni and fans of West Virginia University, Marshall University, Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia may choose the Alumni Tent badge for $495. Guests of these special alumni hospitality areas will enjoy unlimited tailgate-style food non-alcoholic beverages as well as guest appearances from celebrity alumni.

For the ultimate Greenbrier Classic experience, the Clubhouse badge provides a limited number of people with exclusive access to the event, including prime viewing areas on Old White #1 and #18, unlimited food and beverage at Sam Snead’s at the Golf Club and access to all hospitality tents. In addition, Clubhouse badge holders will also receive one complimentary two-night stay at The Greenbrier, including one round of golf on The Old White Course for two and $1,000 in special amenity vouchers. For information on this VIP opportunity, please contact Rob Booth at 304-536-7758.

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About AEI:

Since its inception in 2001, the Appalachian Education Initiative (AEI) has been dedicated to ensuring that quality arts education should be a central part of the education of every public school student in West Virginia. For more information, go to www.aeiarts.org.

About the Kennedy Center Alliance for Arts Education Network (KCAAEN):

KCAAEN is a coalition of statewide non-profit organizations working in partnership with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to support policies, practices, programs and partnerships that ensure the arts are an essential part of American K-12 education.

About Capital Communications Group (CCG) – AEI’s AOR:

Capital Communications Group (CCG) is an international public relations and government affairs firm with locations in Washington, DC and Charleston, WV. CCG’s expert public relations and government affairs practice groups include Corporate Communications, Litigation Communications, Energy and Environment Communications, Crisis Communications, Issue Advocacy and Public Affairs, Grassroots Advocacy, Gaming, Healthcare and Travel and Tourism. CCG’s breadth of experience spans many years, most issues of public debate and every continent. For more information, visit www.CapitalCommGroup.com.