Pair join Waltrips in charity outing

Add sports icons Shaquille O’Neal and Eddie George to the star-packed list of celebrities, musicians and athletes joining forces for charity at the Third Annual Waltrip Brothers’ Charity Championship Oct. 24-25 in Franklin, Tenn.

O’Neal and George will attend the Oct. 24 Champion’s Dinner presented by Hendrickcars.com at The Factory in Franklin, during which country music stars Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker will perform together. The Champion’s Dinner kicks off the two-day fundraiser hosted by NASCAR brothers Darrell and Michael Waltrip, which also includes the Oct. 25 Waltrip Brothers’ Charity Championship golf tournament at Vanderbilt Legends Club, one of Tennessee’s finest courses, in Franklin. All proceeds benefit Motor Racing Outreach and Feed The Children.

“We now have added the best of two worlds – Shaq, one of the all-time great basketball players, and Eddie George, a legend in football and here in Nashville,” Darrell Waltrip said. “These guys are really fast on the court and on the field, and they’re teaming up with a fast group of NASCAR stars. What an honor for Michael and me to welcome them as part of the Waltrip Brothers’ tournament and the growing list of celebrities who will participate.”

O’Neal, retired four-time NBA champion, and George, College Football on FOX analyst, retired NFL running back and Heisman Trophy winner from The Ohio State University, are donating signed items to the evening’s live auction, and will pose for photos with the winning bidders.

This month’s fundraiser marks the third consecutive year the Waltrips have brought the NASCAR, country music, sports and celebrity worlds together to raise money for a variety of beneficial causes. SPEED host Rick Allen will emcee the Champion’s Dinner, which also includes additional entertainment and a silent auction. Furthermore, NASCAR on FOX and SPEED’s Krista Voda will host the live auction featuring autographed items from Paisley, Rucker, country music legend Charlie Daniels, reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and many others, in addition to O’Neal and George.

“This year’s event is really coming together,” Michael Waltrip said. “We have raised a lot of money already and have some great folks coming -- Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Shaquille O’Neal and Eddie George, just to name a few. I can’t wait to hang out with them, and I’m sure everyone who attends will enjoy the experience just as much.”

The popular “no mulligan” celebrity golf tournament moves to Vanderbilt Legends Club this year. The private facility features two championship courses co-designed by Hall of Fame golfer Tom Kite and renowned golf course architect Bob Cupp, as well as a 19-acre, state-of-the-art practice facility.

Participation and support options still exist, including sponsorship opportunities, auction and in-kind donations and celebrity participation. For further information on ticket purchases for the Champion’s Dinner or title sponsorship of the golf event, please visit www.waltripbrothers.com.