Kiss News

TOMMY THAYER'S "LEGENDS" GOLF EVENT TO BE FEATURED

On Sunday, December 19, A&E's critically acclaimed reality TV series Gene Simmons Family Jewels will feature the 2010 Pacific University Legends Golf Classic, hosted by Tommy Thayer. The event was held this past August at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha, Oregon.

Thayer, the lead guitarist for legendary rock band KISS and member of Pacific's Board of Trustees, persuaded band-mate and KISS co-founder Gene Simmons to participate in the auction-concert-golf fundraiser that benefits the University's intercollegiate student-athletes.


On Sunday, December 19, A&E's critically acclaimed reality TV series Gene Simmons Family Jewels will feature the 2010 Pacific University Legends Golf Classic, hosted by Tommy Thayer. The event was held this past August at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha, Oregon.

Thayer, the lead guitarist for legendary rock band KISS and member of Pacific's Board of Trustees, persuaded band-mate and KISS co-founder Gene Simmons to participate in the auction-concert-golf fundraiser that benefits the University's intercollegiate student-athletes.

The broadcast of "Gene's Handicap" will chronicle Simmons' first attempt at golf and air at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. for satellite dish subscribers (DirecTV, Dish Network), or 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. (PST) for cable subscribers (Comcast, Time Warner, Charter). Appearances include Thayer, Simmons' partner Shannon Tweed, KISS manager Doc McGhee and footage of Pacific University alumni, parents and friends at the event.

The 2010 Legends Golf Classic hosted by Tommy Thayer grossed more than $425,000 for Pacific student-athletes. More than 400 people attended a celebrity auction, dinner and concert, and 185 participated in the golf tournament.

Simmons proved to be a significant moneymaker for the University as the opportunity to play golf with him and McGhee raised $30,000 at the Sunday live auction. The prospect of playing golf with tournament host Thayer fetched $10,000.

Wishes 4 Kids is a charity based in Leicestershire, England which was created to grant a wish to terminally ill or disadvantaged children. Tonight in Hinckley a very special concert took place in conjunction with The Junior Academy Of Music to raise awareness of the charity and to help raise some money. As part of the concert a very cool KISS tribute took the stage and sang their own rendition of Crazy Crazy Nights.

One of the members of the band was a very special 10 year old called Luke. Luke suffers from cerebral palsy and yet with help from the Academy has learnt to hold a drumstick and keep a beat. As can be seen from the photos Luke had a blast playing Crazy Crazy Nights, even though he made it clear this isn't his favourite song (which happens to be Modern Day Delilah!). He comes from a family of KISS fans with both himself and his brother Matthew being "introduced" to them by their Dad (sounds familiar!).

This is where KISS come into it, with help from KISSOnline, Eric Singer was informed about Luke and provided him with several signed photos and some signed drum sticks. I am always amazed at how KISS treat their fans and this was no exception.Wishes 4 Kids is a charity based in Leicestershire, England which was created to grant a with to terminally ill or disadvantaged children. Tonight in Hinckley a very special concert took place in conjunction with The Junior Academy Of Music to raise awareness of the charity and to help raise some money. As part of the concert a very cool KISS tribute took the stage and sang their own rendition of Crazy Crazy Nights.

One of the members of the band was a very special 10 year old called Luke. Luke suffers from cerebral palsy and yet with help from the Academy has learnt to hold a drumstick and keep a beat. As can be seen from the photos Luke had a blast playing Crazy Crazy Nights, even though he made it clear this isn't his favourite song (which happens to be Modern Day Delilah!). He comes from a family of KISS fans with both himself and his brother Matthew being "introduced" to them by their Dad (sounds familiar!).

This is where KISS come into it, with help from KISSOnline, Eric Singer was informed about Luke and provided him with several signed photos and some signed drum sticks. I am always amazed at how KISS treat their fans and this was no exception. The presentation took place after the song and Luke was a very very happy 10 year old, I asked him if he knew who Eric was and straight away he answered "er yeah, he's the KISS drummer". Luke was then presented with a special custom air-brushed shirt from Nick Smith, his eyes again lit up when he saw the shirt, somehow I think he'll be very attached to his early KISSmas presents!

Huge thanks to Keith Leroux, Eric Singer & Nick Smith for helping make this little boys night. And of course to Rachel and Dave from the Junior Academy, Russell from Wishes 4 Kids, all the kids & teenagers who took part in the KISS tribute and especially to Luke, it was a pleasure to meet you.