The Melting Pot Restaurants Franchise Host First Annual Golf Tournament to Benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital(R)

By: The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc. | 3 Shares 99 Reads

TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Melting Pot Restaurants the nation's largest fondue restaurant franchise based in Tampa, Fla., will host its inaugural 2010 Melting Pot Golf Classic Nov. 15 at 5700 Saddlebrook Way (Saddlebrook Resort) in Wesley Chapel to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The event will feature the country band, Love and Theft (comprised of Stephen Barker Liles, Brian Bandas and Eric Gunderson), playing in the tournament and a special live performance including the hit single, "Runaway." Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers' quarterback Shaun King, Captain Fear, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' mascot, will also be on hand during the $10,000 putting contest. Other tournament highlights include player gift packs from golf's leading manufacturers, a silent auction, a $1 million shootout, celebrities and an evening program including dinner and awards. The tournament will be open to all players starting at 9 a.m. with an 11 a.m. shotgun start.

Media sponsors include Brighthouse Networks, WQYK Country Radio and 1010 Sports AM radio.

The Melting Pot's goal is to raise $100,000 through sponsorships and players for St. Jude. Registration deadline is Nov. 5, 2010, or when all spots have been filled. For more information or to register for the event, visit http://www.usatournamentgolf.com.

About The Melting Pot Restaurants Inc.

With 144 restaurants in North America, existing locations in 36 states and Canada and over 20 locations currently in development, The Melting Pot Restaurants is the premier fondue restaurant franchise. Founded in 1975, The Melting Pot continues to be a memorable four-course dining experience where patrons can dip into something different. Guests enjoy a choice of fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrées combined with dipping sauces. The menu also includes cheese fondues, salads, fine wines and chocolate fondue desserts. The Melting Pot is a division of Front Burner Brands, a multi-brand restaurant franchisor and operator headquartered in Tampa, Fla. For more information, visit www.meltingpot.com. In keeping with its core mission, vision and principles, The Melting Pot supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and has raised more than $4 million for the fight against cancer.

About St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family's inability to pay. St. Jude is financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. In 2010, St. Jude was ranked the most trusted charity in the nation in a public survey conducted by Harris Interactive, a highly respected international polling and research firm. St. Jude was also named the nation's top children's cancer hospital in the 2010-11 Best Children's Hospitals rankings published by U.S. News & World Report.

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