NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Sept. 5, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ryan Getzlaf, captain of the Anaheim Ducks, is hosting the second annual Getzlaf Golf Shootout on September 9 to benefit CureDuchenne, a nonprofit that raises awareness and funds research to find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings hockey players, celebrities and community leaders will participate in the golf outing to support finding a cure for Duchenne, a devastating muscle disease that impacts one in 3,500 boys.
This spectacular charity event will be held at the Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point. Each golf foursome includes a pro athlete or celebrity as a fifth player. Confirmed athletes and celebrities include:
| * Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks | * Mike Richards, Los Angeles Kings | |
| * Bobby Ryan, Anaheim Ducks | * Bruce Boudreau, coach of the Anaheim Ducks | |
| * Teemu Selanne, Anaheim Ducks | * Kent French, the voice of the Anaheim Ducks | |
| * Sheldon Souray, Anaheim Ducks | * Paul Bissonnette, Phoenix Coyotes | |
| * Scott Neidermayer, Anaheim Ducks (retired) | * Kevin Connolly, actor | |
| * Dustin Penner, Los Angeles Kings |
Boys with Duchenne are usually diagnosed at age 5, are in a wheelchair by 12 and most don't live past their mid-20s. CureDuchenne has funded seven research projects that have gone into human clinical trials. CureDuchenne supports the translation of research and development programs into the clinic to focus on developing potential therapies to transform the treatment of Duchenne.
"My wife, Paige, and I are happy to continue our support for CureDuchenne and their valued efforts in finding a cure for Duchenne," said Getzlaf. "We can't imagine what it would be like for our son to grow up and not to be able to walk, run or play sports. We want to provide help for Duchenne boys for many generations to come."
The Getzlaf Golf Shootout is an opportunity to interact with athletes, play golf and support a great cause. A pre-golf dinner reception will be held at Sutra in Costa Mesa on September 8 and will include a live and silent auction. Auction items include: Anaheim Ducks luxury suite for 12 and meet and greet with Ryan Getzlaf; a 5-day, 4-night stay in a luxury home at the Montana Sporting Club; a 5-night stay in an ocean view suite at the St. Regis Punta Mita, Mexico; a weekend gateway with a Ferrari rental and hotel and dinner package; and a BeerMaster Beer dinner for 10 with a renowned chef and world-class brews from Straub Distributing.
Foursomes cost $2,800 and include a celebrity or athlete as a fifth golfer plus eight tickets to the pre-golf dinner reception. For more information and to register, click here.
"We are delighted that CureDuchenne is the beneficiary of the Getzlaf Golf Shootout and thank Ryan and Paige for their support," said Debra Miller, founder and CEO of CureDuchenne. "Duchenne is a progressive disease and it is urgent that we find treatments now."
Sponsors include The Sports Corporation, WHGC, Integrated Oncology Network and Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation. Supporters include The Hundred Acre Wine Group and Straub Distributing.
About CureDuchenne
CureDuchenne is a national nonprofit organization located in Newport Beach, Calif., dedicated to finding a cure for Duchenne, the most common and most lethal form of muscular dystrophy. As the leading genetic killer of young boys, Duchenne affects more than 300,000 boys worldwide.
CureDuchenne has garnered international attention for its efforts to raise funds and awareness for Duchenne. With the help of CureDuchenne's distinguished international panel of Scientific Advisors, funds raised by CureDuchenne support the most promising research aimed at treating and curing Duchenne. To date, seven CureDuchenne research projects have made their way into human clinical trials – a unique accomplishment as few health-related nonprofits have been successful in being a catalyst for human clinical trials.
The CureDuchenne logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=11528