The Jalen Rose Leadership Academy Celebrity Golf Classic Presented by Tom Gores & Platinum Equity Celebrates 10th Anniversary

DETROIT, Aug. 27, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The 10th Anniversary of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy (JRLA) Celebrity Golf Classic was held on August 24 in Detroit. The weekend was hosted by NBA Star and current ABC/ESPN Analyst, Jalen Rose, and many of his celebrity friends to benefit the open enrollment, public charter high school he founded in his hometown of Detroit. JRLA boasts a 94% four-year graduation rate and currently ranks first for college matriculation among open enrollment high schools in Detroit.

The annual event began on Sunday, August 23 with a limited attendance Kick-Off presented by Central Kitchen and Bar, a vibrant gastropub in downtown Detroit. Guests enjoyed socially distanced seating with an outdoor patio, contemporary American classic food and signature Absolut Elyx Vodka cocktails.

On the morning of Monday, August 24, the historic Detroit Golf Club hosted the 10th Anniversary of the JRLA Celebrity Golf Classic presented by Tom Gores and Platinum Equity. The limited field event followed new safety guidelines including social distancing, the use of masks and provided drive up registration. Guests received a gift bag which included a commemorative 10th Anniversary Puma Bag and Golf Shirt along with other premium items. Participants had the opportunity to warm-up on the driving range sponsored by Rocket Mortgage as well as the putting green sponsored by Helix Diagnostics and the Khan Family.

Jalen Rose and Nisha Sadekar, CEO of PGD Global, greeted guests for the opening ceremonies which included a special thanks to all of the partners and celebrity guests. Prior to the call to carts, rising JRLA tenth grade scholars, Michaela Elzie-Hicks and Naona Chambers, performed Lift Every Voice and Sing. This was a special treat for all in attendance as Michaela and Naona are a part of the Detroit Youth Choir that performed on America's Got Talent last year.

Each tee-box featured a different "JRLA Future Leader" sign highlighting the success of a recent JRLA graduate along with various event partner logos. The official event vehicle sponsor, Jeep, displayed a Rubicon Gladiator and a Wrangler on the course for Hole-In-One challenges. Guest were able track their scoring in real time on handled devices sponsored by Others First.

Following the round of golf, guests gathered around the nearby green for the official JRLA Golf Classic Playoffs presented by BodyArmour, featuring a $5,000 Putting Challenge and a One-Million Dollar Shot Challenge. Closing ceremonies were held near the Clubhouse Lounge, presented by Navigant Oak, to acknowledge contest winners and award the top finishing groups with trophies and medals. Jeep was also announced as the 2020 JRLA Leadership Award recipient. The award recognizes those who are truly dedicated to the JRLA mission and uplifting our scholars. Jeep is JRLA's largest corporate donor and has supported its efforts since 2012, this past year, they surpassed the one million dollar mark by providing college scholarships, facility improvements, programming and so much more.

"I can't believe we just wrapped up our tenth anniversary event and are about to begin our tenth school year at JRLA. What an amazing milestone," said Jalen Rose. "We've accomplished so much over the years and couldn't have done it without the support of so many in attendance this past weekend. Despite the unprecedented times, I feel so blessed that our event continues to grow each year which allows us to provide much needed support for our scholars."

The annual tournament raised over $100,000.00 this year and continues to be tremendous pillar for success for JRLA and again proves to be the premier celebrity, lifestyle and golf event in Detroit. For additional 2020 and previous year highlights, please visit the official tournament website http://www.jalenrosegolfclassic.com.

*** FOR MEDIA INQUIRES PLEASE CONTACT ***
Diverse Public; [email protected] (National Media)
Matt Friedman [email protected] (Local Media)

ABOUT JALEN ROSE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Jalen Rose Leadership Academy (JRLA) is an open enrollment, public charter high school on the northwest side of Detroit. The Academy began its first academic year in September 2011 and currently serves over 400 ninth through twelfth grade scholars and over 400 alumni from metro-Detroit. It's mission is to empower all scholars to develop the strength of character, skills, and knowledge needed to matriculate, be great in, and graduate from college so that they have opportunities to be successful in the competitive world and to take care of themselves and the people that they love. More info: http://jrladetroit.com.

ABOUT PGD GLOBAL & THE "PROJECT FAIRWAY" MOVEMENT
Play Golf Designs, Inc. (PGD Global) is the future of golf entertainment meets golf entry. An innovative golf-focused firm, directing and producing luxury events and content for some of the world's most legendary athletes, brands, entertainers and organizations including Coach Mike Woodson, Julius "Dr. J" Erving, Jalen Rose, The Calvin Peete Foundation, Toyota, Diageo and MGM Resorts International. PGD creates the most innovative golf tournaments and experiences with a focus on elevating and celebrating diversity and inclusion within the game. In 2020 PGD Global announced "Project Fairway", a movement dedicated to growing the game of golf for young girls and women by connecting them with golf through lifestyle and wellness. PGD Global operates golf-lifestyle events and experiences all around the country, welcoming new golfers and businesses to the game with creativity, purpose and inspiration. More info: http://pgdglobal.com.

ABOUT PLATINUM EQUITY
Platinum Equity is a global investment firm founded by Tom Gores. With $13 billion of assets under management and a portfolio of more than 30 operating companies, the firm specializes in mergers, acquisitions and operations – a trademarked strategy it calls M&A&O® – acquiring and operating companies in a broad range of different sectors.

SOURCE PGD GLOBAL, Diverse Public Media