Coughlin to join NBA All-Star Redd in fundraising golf tournament

DELAWARE, July 1, 2009: Four-time and reigning Pro Stock champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. will join a star-studded roster of celebrity players participating in this year's Michael Redd Foundation Charity Golf Tournament. The event begins at 10 a.m., Monday, July 6, at New Albany Country Club in the suburbs of Columbus.

Aside from Coughlin, celebrities joining each of the foursomes in the tournament include Lawrence Funderburke, Mike Furrey, Raymont Harris, Nathan Hughes, Janet Jackson, Yvette McGee Brown, Clark Kellogg, Judge Algenon Marbley, Tito Paul, Scoonie Penn, Chris Quinn, Shirley Rogers-Reece, Ronnie Stokes, Eric Thielsen, Mike Vrabel, Granville Waiters, Deron Williams, Herb Williams, Troy Taylor, Jeffrey Blackwell, Paul Strong, Jeffrey Harris, Gerry Hammond, Larry Price, William White, Craig Murray, Jimmy Powers, and M.G. Orender.

Founded in 2006 by NBA All-Star Michael Redd and his wife, Achea, an accomplished public speaker and educator, the Michael Redd Foundation partners with schools, families, and governmental bodies to enhance the profile, value, and relevance of academic excellence. The Foundation exists to advance a culture of achievement by providing academic and practical tools necessary for success in life for youth.

"I'm really looking forward to this event and I hope we can help Michael and Achea reach their fundraising goals this year," said Coughlin, the most prolific professional drag racer on the NHRA tour this year with six wins. "Our family shares the Redd family's enthusiasm for helping our young people become first-rate citizens, both in the business world and as human beings that belong to a larger community.

"I will definitely put some time in at the driving range this weekend to try and tune up my game a little. I love to play golf but don't have a chance to play as much as I would like to. My son, little Jeggie, likes to play also and I need to stay sharp to keep up with him as well, so this tournament couldn't come along at a better time for me."