The Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle

Carmel, CA - August 24, 2009 – Hundreds of cyclists will take the start line at the Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club on Saturday, September 12 for the Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle.  They will ride for different reasons: some for the thrill, some to fulfill months of preparation, and others purely for the cause - Best Buddies International, a nonprofit dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

First Lady of California Maria Shriver will once again serve as Honorary Chairperson of the Challenge, a 100-mile charity ride from Carmel to San Simeon down the resplendent Pacific Coast Highway, with alternate 62, 35 and 15-mile routes, a 5K run and a 3K walk.  Several celebrities and professional cyclists, including “Access Hollywood” co-host Nancy O’Dell; actresses Maureen McCormick and Lisa Rinna; actors Michael Chiklis, Greg Germann and Verne Troyer; Miss California 2009 Tami Farrell; Miss Teen USA 2007 Hilary Cruz; Miss USA 2008 Crystle Stewart; singer-songwriter Siedah Garrett; and members of Teams Columbia, Garmin, Jelly Belly and Specialized (Mike Sinyard) are also expected to participate in the Challenge.  The day-long event will be capped off by a barbeque and private concert by Ciara at the Hearst Ranch for all participants and special guests.

A brand-new event, the First Lady’s Celebrity/Sous Chef Challenge, will kick off this year’s Audi Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle.  The First Lady’s Celebrity/Sous Chef Challenge, which is presented by Google and Gallo, will take place on Friday, September 11.  During this high-energy event, top California chefs, including Scott Giambastiani, Jeff Rogers, Ryan Scott and Cal Stamenov, will team up with Best Buddies participants to compete for the titles of “Judges’ Choice,” as decided by a panel of celebrity judges and “Peoples’ Choice,” as decided by guests, via text message.  Liam Mayclem, the host of KPIX’s “Eye on the Bay,” will MC the event.

Audi is returning for a third year as Title Sponsor of the Challenge.  Additional sponsors include:  E & J Gallo Winery, Anthem Blue Cross, Pepsi, PG&E, Wal-Mart, Benihana, CSC, CVS/pharmacy, BP, Hearst Corporation, SVB Financial, the San Francisco Chronicle, Clear Channel Outdoor, KCBS Radio, KPIX-TV, Accenture, Carnival Cruise Lines, Occidental Petroleum, Seyfarth Shaw, Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, Freedom Financial, CH2MHILL, Lakshmi Foundation, RHC Communities, The Safeway Foundation, the Wine Institute, Estee Lauder, FIJI Water, David Zingale, Jelly Belly and Bicycling Magazine (which is donating bikes to some of our Buddies as part of its BikeTown USA program).

Space is limited – If you would like to send someone to cover this event please contact:

Heather Schatz or Jennifer Grau at (305) 374-2233,
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To participate in the Challenge or become a sponsor:

Michael Collins
Phone: (617) 790-5342
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Media inquiries:
Heather Schatz
305-374-2233, ext. 207
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Or

Jennifer Grau
305-374-2233, ext .245
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