Cristi Kerr with Ray Allan

On August 30, 2011, NBA star Ray Allen, champion LPGA players and a host of high-profile guests were among the many who braved the aftermath of the Hurricane Irene, to support American Golf Princess and ESPY winner Cristie Kerr for her two day celebration of  The First Annual Inaugural Liberty Cup Tournament and Kerr’s Birdies for Breast Cancer Foundation.

Despite the storm’s best efforts to derail the East Coast, the event in the city that never sleeps could not be stopped. With flights cancelled, power outages and streets flooded, determined LPGA starlets and devoted supporters still journeyed for the cause.

The kick-off took place at the super swank rooftop bar and lounge at the Dream Downtown Hotel, where all mingled and marveled at the gorgeous view overlooking the Manhattan skyline. Vitamin Water Zero & Lacoste ambassador Cristie Kerr, welcomed the President of Audemars Piguet, Francois-Henry Bennahmias, the President & CEO of Lacoste, Steve Birkhold, as well as celebrities and athletes who sipped on golf-themed cocktails and left with Vitamin Water Zero and Lacoste. Cristie also debuted her highly anticipated Curvature 2008 wine, the latest release from her high end Curvature wine collection in partnership with Pride Mountain Vineyards. 100% of proceeds from this limited production wine will be donated to breast cancer research.

LPGA Women

The following day, The Inaugural Liberty Cup Tournament was overflowing with LPGA and PGA all-star players including Amy Hung, Suzann Petterson, Andy North and Chris DiMarco. Each golfer was paired with high profile celebrity participants. Actors Matthew Settle (Gossip Girl), Kyle MacLachlan (Sex and the City), and musician Michael Johns (American Idol) were among those who turned out to show their support for the cause. The tournament was followed by a cocktail reception, an auction and an awards gala and the Caesars Poker Tournament benefiting the Crisite Kerr’s Birdies for Breast Cancer Foundation.

Cristie Kerr is a long time golf phenomenon who organized the Inaugural Liberty Cup Tournament to raise money for her charity, as well as the Cristie Kerr Women’s Health Center at the Jersey City Medical Center. Cristie witnessed those closest to her, including her mother, battle breast cancer. Soon after, she created the Birdies for Breast Cancer Foundation, which has risen over $2million dollars for the research and treatment of the disease. Cristie continues to be a fighter on the green and a fighter in finding the cure that strikes 1 out of 8 women in the United States today!

Cristie Kerr with Kyle Maclachlan

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