WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Many people were expecting to see or even play with PGA Golfer Steve Stricker last week at a charity event in Winston-Salem. Flyers were printed and passed out and donations were given to the Winston Salem Rescue Mission. The only problem was that Stricker had no clue he was part of any event.
Stricker's agent, Mario Tiziani, says he was told a person involved with the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission told the organization he was related to Stricker and promised he'd be involved in events. Tiziani said no relative of Stricker's is involved in the organization and anything that was planned was done without Stricker's knowledge.
Stricker posted on twitter saying in part he was "shocked and saddened" the organization was "misled" while trying to serve the community.
There were three days of events planned, according to the Maple Chase Golf and Country Club. There was a clinic and sponsored dinner on Wednesday, a tournament on Thursday and on Friday, someone could win an experience with Stricker. One flyer, posted on twitter by Sean Branagan, says a $7,500 tax-deductible donation to the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission would include breakfast and 18-holes on a private course with Stricker, plus autographed memorabilia would be included in that experience.
WFMY News 2 tried to contact the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission and was referred to Executive Director Ken Heater. It's not clear how much money was raised for the events or what will happen to donations. Heater said the charity board would be meeting and they would be putting out a statement, but wasn't clear about when that would happen.
Another part of Stricker's tweet says. "I was never aware of this event or the false association of my name with it, but nonetheless, I am sorry for the Winston-Salem Rescue Mission that was misled and for anyone who had their expectations unfulfilled."
Flyers also noted a Rob Hillmer was the point contact for the charity event. The number on the flyer can't be reached and WFMY News 2 is still working to get a hold of him. Court documents in both North Carolina and Virginia show a man by the same name has a criminal record.