Taylor Hicks, American Idol Winner, Other Celebs Turn Out For Autism benefit

More about Taylor's participation in yesterday's Celebrity Golf Tourny in New York. This is from the New's York's Lower Hudson Valley newspaper.


MAMARONECK - On a day when Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate battled for the U.S. Open title in California, singer Taylor Hicks was one of dozens of celebrities at Winged Foot Golf Club yesterday to raise an estimated $1 million for the Autism Speaks charity.

Hicks, who won the fifth season of "American Idol" and is guest-starring in "Grease" on Broadway, said the cause is important to him.

"One of my dad's best friend's sons has autism," he said, moments before practicing his swing at the driving range. "When I heard about this particular event, I wanted to make sure I got out and tried to get involved with it and bring some attention to the disease."

More at the link above.

Taylor Hicks Pauses in *Grease* To Play Golf for Autism

Taylor is taking a break today, June 16 (theaters are dark on Mondays), to participate in another worthy children's cause - Autism - while in New York starring in "Grease". According to the NY Post and Austism Speaks, Taylor Hicks, Nick Gre gory, Don Criqui and Gloria Reuben among those ex pected at Winged Foot Golf Club (Mamaroneck) for today's the Autism Speaks celebrity golf fundraiser.

The Tenth Annual NY Celebrity Golf Challenge will celebrate its ten year anniversary on June 16, 2008 at the prestigious Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y., home of the 2006 U.S. Open. This much anticipated annual event will continue to build on its impressive fundraising record which garnered $1,200,000 in 2007 for the mission of Autism Speaks. The golf tournament offers participants the opportunity to play on the Winged Foot Golf Club's two legendary, championship courses alongside a famed celebrity player. Past celebrity golfers have included luminaries from the worlds of sports, entertainment and media.

This event is a truly wonderful day for the autism community and you won't want to miss a great day of challenging golf at one of golf's U.S. Open cornerstones! The tournament also includes fantastic contests, including a shootout for a million dollars, all in the company of a truly great crowd. The lively dinner reception, attended by celebrities, players and their guests, includes a silent auction and a thrilling live auction offering guests the chance to bid on exclusive access opportunities, fabulous getaways as well as many luxury items. Don't miss your chance to partake in an exciting day of golf and goodwill and take your place on the leader board of Autism Speaks supporters! To reserve, please contact Cindy Brown at (914) 935-1462 x 11 or via e-mail at cbrown@autismspeaks.org or click here to register online. Read more and view photos from last year's event here.