Not only is Bridgestone Firestone the Official Tire for the nationwide PGA Tour, it is also sponsoring this summer’s “Driving to Benefit First Tee” contests at the tour’s golfing events. Spectators have a chance to see how far they can drive a golf ball. The drives are then converted into miles, and for every mile driven, the company will donate $25 to The First Tee of Akron charitable organization. In addition to supporting Driving to Benefit First Tee, the company will also have the Bridgestone Golf Ball Fitting Challenge as well as displays featuring Bridgestone SUV/Light truck, sedan and performance tires. While fans are waiting for their turn to find out which ball is best for their golf game or how far they can tee off on a shot, they can learn which Bridgestone tire is best for their vehicle by playing one of four miniature golf holes in the exhibit. “Brand ambassadors” will also be on-site to distribute literature and answer fans’ questions. “We are always looking for opportunities to give back to the communities where we live and work. This is also a fun way for spectators to get involved while attending PGA Tour events,” says Phil Pacsi, vice president of consumer tire marketing. “And better yet, for spectators to get involved for a great cause.” “The funds raised by Bridgestone Firestone will help support our mission and offer educational programs for our young members,” says Steve Parker, First Tee of Akron’s executive director. First Tee of Akron provides young people the opportunity to grow not only in the game of golf, but also as productive members of society. Its mission is “to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life enhancing values through the game of golf.” Participants enter into exploration of themselves and others as well as the meaning of such core values as responsibility, integrity, judgment, and sportsmanship and their relation to both golf and life. “We take pride in our involvement with such a great organization,” says Christine Karbowiak, the company’s vice president of community and corporate relations. “We have a special relationship with the City of Akron, with more than 1,000 teammates and our research and technology centers located there.” The Driving to Benefit First Tee exhibit will be at the following tournaments:
• Stanford St. Jude Championship- June 2-8 in Memphis, Tenn.
• John Deere Classic- July 7-13 in Silvis, Ill.
• U.S. Bank Championship July 14-20 in Milwaukee, Wis.
• World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational- July 28- August 3 in Akron, Ohio
• Wyndham Championship- August 8-14 in Greensboro, N.C. Following the final on-site presence of the Driving to Benefit First Tee exhibit at the Wyndham Championship, the company will present First Tee of Akron with a check representing $25 for every mile driven at the selected events. For more information, visit www.firestone.com or www.pgatour.com. | 
