Award winning artist and philanthropist, McKenzie, creates original art for “The First Tee” Charity Event to take place in Florida proceeding the PGA Tour’s own premier event, THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP at Sawgrass.

Saint Augustine, FL (PRWEB) March 15, 2006 -- McKenzie, mixed media artist and recent winner at the first annual ARTV Fine Art Awards, has agreed to donate the proceeds from the sale of her paintings to the organization, “The First Tee” which is a charitable arm of the PGA Tour. Honorary Chairman, George Bush, says, "Not only is golf a sport of a lifetime, but in many ways, it is a lesson in life.”

“The First Tee”, an initiative of The World Golf Foundation, has its’ mission to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.

“I am so proud to be involved with this amazing organization”, says McKenzie, whose art and charitable affiliations have been raising money and awareness. “Mixing the passion for my art with the passion for charity is a dream come true!”

McKenzie, whose paintings have sky-rocketed in value in recent months, has created 3 original works for the event. “Eye of the Tiger” which depicts golf champion, Tiger Woods. “Knights of the Links” which depicts golf champions: Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson, Vijay Singh, Retief Goosen in a collage type presentation; and “Never too young to learn” which is the official poster depicting her husband and young son in a touching golf moment. All paintings are available as giclees and prints and are expected to sell out quickly. For information on purchasing art please visit http://www.artistmckenzie.com

The charity event will “kick-off” the THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP, TCP, at Sawgrass in St. Augustine, Florida. The top players in the world will compete at the PGA Tour’s own premier event. Boasting golf's consistently strongest field and a superb host venue in the Stadium Course, THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP is internationally recognized as one of golf's truly great championships.

About: TPC
What: THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP (33rd annual)
Dates: March 23-26, 2006
Where: Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass; Par: 36-36—72; Yardage; 7,093
Defending Champion: Fred Funk (65-71-71-71—279 (-9))
Television: ESPN on Thursday/Friday; NBC on Saturday/Sunday
2005 Purse: $8,000,000 *; Winner’s share: $1,440,000 *

About: “THE FIRST TEE” CHARITY EVENT
What: An evening of Scotch tasting, cigar tasting and art auction to raise funds for charity.
Date: March 21, 2006
Where: Casa Monica Hotel, Saint Augustine ,Florida.
Who: Artist McKenzie will appear in person to sign her work.

For more information about McKenzie and her art please visit http://www.mckenziegallery.artroof.com