Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE -ÊCelebrities from around the country converged on Stonehenge Golf Club Friday afternoon for the inaugural Celebrity Pro-Am Charity Classic.
Gary Collins was one of the best-known celebrities participating in the event. Collins, who is originally from the Midwest, gave several reasons why events like the Charity Classic appeal to him.
"First of all, we get to satisfy the urge to play golf, and we get to travel to new places while doing something we enjoy," said Collins. "Secondly, we get to combine that with putting our celebrity to use for good things. We get to use what we bring to the table, our celebrity status, to help other people. It doesn't get any better than that.
"My family is from the Midwest, so it is always nice to come back. It's beautiful. There's nothing quite like the Midwest. That was a big draw for me.
"It's also the first time for this event and that makes it special as well."
But Collins is no slouch on the golf course, either. He tries to golf once a week, and his handicap is 18.
"I'd like to get out more than I do at home," said Collins, "but I usually have 'honey-do list' that keeps me pretty busy. I actually get to golf more at this type of thing than I do when I am at home."
People may remember Collins from the "Home" show beginning in 1989. For nine years (1981-1990), he hosted "The Miss America Pageant." From 1980-1989, Collins hosted "Hour Magazine," where he earned a 1984 Emmy as best host of a talk/service show.
Although Collins refers to himself as "semi-retired," he currently stars in two infomercials and is preparing for a role in a play on the West Coast.
"People know me as 'The Mattress Man' because I'm in the infomercial (for Craftmatic Adjustable Beds)," said Collins. "I just finished a new infomercial for joint cream. I am also getting ready to do a play that will open on the West Coast. It's a whodunnit, and we hope to eventually take it to New York on Broadway."
The inaugural Celebrity Pro-Am Charity Classic continues today at Stonehenge Golf Course with players beginning to tee off at 10 a.m.
