"SaThe Jewel in Lake City will donate $10,000 to support the golf program at the University of Minnesota. Mark Fayette, President and partner of The Jewel, presented the gift to the University at the "Save Gopher Sports" telethon held on Dec. 15, 2002. The telethon was broadcast on KARE-TV Channel 11.

The $10,000 donation will be designated to establish The Jewel Golf Scholarship at the University of Minnesota. The scholarship will be paid over the next two years and will be earmarked for a Minnesota resident. In addition to the scholarship funds, the recipient will also have the chance to meet and learn golf tips from Hale Irwin, designer and partner of The Jewel, as well as enjoy a round of golf with the Senior PGA Tour star.

The University of Minnesota men's golf team won the NCAA Division I championship this past spring despite being threatened with elimination due to budget shortfalls. A groundswell of support from the University community, alumni and the golf world saved the golf program from extinction last year. The University of Minnesota is now raising funds to perpetuate men's golf, as well as other threatened sports at the University.

Irwin, this year's Senior PGA Tour leading money winner, and The Jewel are committed to charitable giving and considered several options before deciding on the scholarship program.

"Minnesota has produced many great golfers, and the program at the University has been one of the most successful in the country. We decided that The Jewel Golf Scholarship was a great way to acknowledge this legacy and keep it alive," said Hale Irwin. "This is a good way to support the education of a deserving student, plus promote great golf in Minnesota now, and in the future."

"This is a two-year commitment to the University of Minnesota golf program. But we are also instituting an ongoing program to support continued funding of The Jewel Golf Scholarship," said Greg Matz, Director of Sales at The Jewel. "When University alumni or their immediate family members purchase a home site at The Jewel, $1,000 will be donated to the scholarship program in their name."

The Jewel is a residential, golf and commercial community in Lake City, Minn.