Horizon BCBSNJ pairs up with LPGA pro and Golf Channel commentator Karen Stupples to help raise funds during tourney playThe Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City and one of its key programs for helping keep its members active and healthy received a gift of $5,000 from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey today through the company’s charitable efforts during the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer. And thanks to a pedometer challenge accepted by LPGA player Karen Stupples – who will be walking the course as a commentator for the Golf Channel -- that gift could reach $10,000 if the golf pro logs enough steps during her coverage of the three days of play at Stockton Seaview Hotel & Golf Club.Earlier this month, the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City announced that it lacked the funding resources needed to keep its doors open and programs running for hundreds of local children. The donation commitment from Horizon -- a long-time annual sponsor of the golf event at Stockton Seaview -- would help the club address its operational funding woes while supporting its First Tee program. The First Tee program helps club members develop into golfers, or just enjoy the health and recreational benefits of the sport.“Horizon understands how important the Boys & Girls Club is to hundreds of Atlantic City families, and we are determined to help the organization re-open its doors and serve the community,“ said Jonathan R. Pearson, a Director of Corporate Philanthropy and Community Affairs for Horizon BCBSNJ and Executive Director of the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey.During a check presentation ceremony at Stockton Seaview today, representatives for the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City’s Board of Trustees and the First Tee of Greater Atlantic City each accepted a ceremonial donation of $2,500 from Horizon BCBSNJ. At the same time, Ms. Stupples, a previous Women’s British Open winner and still active member on the LPGA Tour, pledged to raise more for both organizations by accepting Horizon BCBSNJ’s pedometer challenge.Under the challenge, Horizon will contribute another $1,000 to the organizations for every 10,000 steps Ms. Stupples records as she walks the course during tourney play as a television coverage commentator -- up to $5,000, or $2,500 additionally for each group.“The pedometer challenge presents a gratifying opportunity to help a good cause while promoting good health,” said Ms. Stupples, who credits her avid pursuit of fitness and nutrition as keys to her success on the course and with a life-changing weight loss of 45 pounds. “At any age, a vigorous walk is a great way to step into a good fitness routine. I am delighted to join Horizon in reinforcing this wellness message while raising funds to help a community organization in need,” she said.“We are grateful for Horizon’s generous support,” Diane T. McKoy, Vice President of the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City’s Board of Trustees “The Boys & Girls Club helps underserved children achieve their true potential. With the help of caring corporate supporters like Horizon, the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City can reach its potential to make a difference in the lives of the children and families who count on us.”“Horizon’s support of the First Tee program will go a long way toward helping children understand, play and excel in the game of golf,” said Brett H. Matik, President of Greater Atlantic City Charities who accepted the check on behalf of the First Tee. “First Tee counts on the support of corporate donations to bring golf to children who otherwise may not be able to experience the sport.”Stupples will start her pedometer/fund-raising step count on Friday, May 30 as golfers begin play for the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer. Ms. Stupples will provide a summary of her steps and other commentary through updates on her twitter account, @Kstupples, through the end of play on Sunday, June 1.“The support our partners provide to this community is an important part of this event,” said tournament director Leela Narang. “We’re proud to partner with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey to assist them in their support of Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City and the First Tee of Greater Atlantic City.”Since the LPGA started tracking charitable contributions in 1981, the cumulative donations from the LPGA and LPGA Tour events has totaled more than $200 million, $27 million of which comes from the ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer.As the 2014 ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer gets underway, getting close to the action will be as easy and affordable for Horizon BCBSNJ members. On Saturday and Sunday, Horizon members will receive a free admission for two by showing their health insurance ID card at the Main Entrance Gate.About Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New JerseyHorizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, the state’s oldest and largest health insurer, is a tax-paying, not-for-profit health services corporation, providing a wide array of medical, dental, and prescription insurance products and services. Horizon BCBSNJ is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, serving 3.7 million members with headquarters in Newark and offices in Wall, Mt. Laurel, and West Trenton. Learn more at www.HorizonBlue.com.About The Horizon Foundation for New JerseyThe Horizon Foundation for New Jersey is celebrating 10 years of serving New Jersey’s communities. The Foundation promotes health, well-being, and quality of life across our state by supporting charitable organizations. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.horizonblue.com/foundation.