JULY 2, 2007 -- The Foundation for the University of the Virgin Islands (FUVI) hosted its third annual Celebrity Golf Classic from June 28 through July 1, 2007 at the Carambola Golf and Beach Resort on St. Croix, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Twenty-five celebrities, including actress Regina King, Washington Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell, ESPN analyst and former NBA player Greg Anthony and other athletes and entertainers made the tranquil island of St. Croix their home in order to support scholarly activity at UVI - the only HBCU outside of the mainland United States.

"The FUVI Celebrity Golf Classic has grown in stature as a significant fundraising event for the Foundation for the University of the Virgin Islands," said UVI president Dr. LaVerne E. Ragster. "We continue to see positive interactions between celebrities and young people, as well as celebrities and the community in the area of sports. We're grateful for the level of support from the community and the celebrities, as the University of the Virgin Islands appreciates the commitment of all of its partners."

Now in its third year, the FUVI Celebrity Golf Classic is fast becoming one of the Virgin Islands' most anticipated events. The Classic brings together celebrities from the sports and entertainment industries to participate in workshops and activities that include 18 holes of golf and youth sports clinics on UVI's St. Croix campus grounds and the Carambola Golf Course and Club House. Professional athletes from the NFL, NBA and professional golfers gave St. Croix youngsters, ages nine to15 basic tips and training in football, basketball and golf. The young participants were able to interact one-on-one with professional athletes like James Butler of the New York Giants and Kurt Thomas of the Phoenix Suns.

"The participation this year has been tremendous," said Joseph Boschulte, UVI Vice President for Institutional Advancement. "We had a record number of golfers and a record number of celebrities and we anticipate that this year will be the most productive in terms of money raised in support of the Foundation for the University of the Virgin Islands. New partnerships were established, all in support of the Foundation and the University of the Virgin Islands' VISION 2012 initiative."

Acclaimed actress Regina King, noted for her role as Margie Hendricks in the Academy Award-winning biopic "Ray," which chronicled the life of the great Ray Charles, was an avid spectator at Saturday's Golf Classic, tooling around in a golf cart to lend moral support to each of the 26 teams. Each team contained four players and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver J.R. Reed led his team to a first place victory along with teammates Patrick Jeffers, Fain Jackson and Hendrith Smith.

Donna Richardson Joyner, a fitness and aerobics instructor and creator of the top-selling workout video "Sweating in the Spirit," also participated in the four-day event.

"I played with great people, had a splendid time playing and shall return to continue to support all that the University of the Virgin Islands does," said Joyner. "What you give out comes back -- it really does."

Other celebrities in attendance included actor Basil Wallace, who starred as Benjamin in the thought-provoking movie "Blood Diamond," but is perhaps best known for his role as Screwface in "Marked for Death;" Brian White, star of the movie "Stomp the Yard," and professional golfer Debbie Dahmer.

Founded in 1962, the University of the Virgin Islands is an accredited, liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,500, which offers associate, bachelors and master's degree programs.

FUVI Announces Celebrity Golf Classic Winners

The Foundation for the University of the Virgin Islands announces the winners of its Third Annual Celebrity Golf Classic. A celebrity guest led each of the teams. The winners are: