MOLINE MAN WINS 2010 CHEVY CAMARO
A Moline retiree who guessed the exact number of birdies recorded at this year's John Deere Classic was the beneficiary of a second bit of good luck when he won a 2010 Chevy Camaro over four other finalists.
Barth "Bud" Vogel won the car after the ignition key he was given started the car's engine while the keys given to the other four finalists did not. The drama took place in front of the clubhouse at TPC Deere Run, home of the John Deere Classic.
The car was donated by the Select Chevy dealers, a group of local car dealers.
"It was an exciting thing to have happen," said Vogel, who correctly guessed that 2,010 birdies would be recorded during four rounds of tournament play and Wednesday's pro-am. It was a popular number this year, as a total of 367 people guessed 2,010 birdies.
The five finalists were chosen in a random drawing. All 367 of those who guessed correctly will receive a John Deere Classic ticket package for 2011, when two-time defending champion Steve Stricker will try to make it three in a row.
"Birdies for Charity is extremely grateful that the Select Chevy dealers have made such a strong commitment to our program and to the 500 charities we serve in the Quad Cities and neighboring communities," said Birdies for Charity director Kristy Ketcham Jackson. "The opportunity for Birdies for Charity donors to win a new Chevy Camaro adds an extra element of fun and excitement to the pledge drive and to tournament week itself."
This is the 11th consecutive year in which a car has been used as a grand prize as an incentive for donors to support their favorite charities through the Birdies for Charity program.
John Deere underwrites the administrative cost of the Birdies for Charity Program, making it possible for 100 percent of the donations collected to go to participating charities.
"The support of John Deere is a major reason Birdies for Charity is able to help hundreds of charities every year," Ketcham said. "John Deere's contribution to Birdies for Charity makes it possible for 100 percent of each pledge collected to go directly to its designated charity, along with a bonus contribution to each participating charity."
Stricker won the 2010 John Deere Classic with a 72-hole score of 26-under par 264 on Sunday, July 11, at TPC Deere Run. It was Stricker's second consecutive victory at the John Deere Classic. He was the first player successfully to defend his title since David Frost in 1993.
Chevy is the Official Car of the John Deere Classic. All tournament vehicles were provided by the following six Select Chevy dealers located at selectchevy.com:
- Eriksen Chevrolet, Milan, Ill.
- Green Chevrolet, East Moline, Ill.
- Mills Chevrolet, Moline, Ill.
- Piehl Motors, Princeton, Ill.
- Shottenkirk Mt. Pleasant, Mt. Pleasant, Ia.
- Yemm Chevrolet, Galesburg, Ill.