Another big check from Barkley for Tahoe wildfire

STATELINE, Nev. (AP) - NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley is making another big contribution to help the victims of a wildfire that destroyed more than 250 homes at Lake Tahoe two years ago.

Barkley donated $100,000 a year ago to South Tahoe's Community Disaster Resource Center to benefit victims of the 2007 Angora Fire.

Center chairman Dick Schwarte said Wednesday they received another check for $90,000 last week on the eve of the 20th annual American Century Celebrity Golf Championship.

"While Charles might not have the greatest swing, he sure has a great heart. We appreciate truly his generosity," Schwarte said.

Barkley is a fan favorite at the tourney that begins next Friday at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. He toured the disaster area shortly after the fire and hosted a dinner for 100 firefighters.

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Jerry Birdwell called Barkley a true friend who has become a part of the community. The golf course is within 10 miles of where the wildfire raced through a neighborhood near Fallen Leaf Lake.

Jon Miller, executive vice president of NBC Sports, said the former NBA MVP and Olympic gold medalist turned TNT analyst is a big reason the celebrity tourney continues to be successful.

"There's never been a player who we've had in the 20-year history of the event who has given as much back as Charles has, both to the community and to the event," said Miller, whose network founded and airs the made-for-TV event.

"Whether it's donating money when the fire went through there a couple of years ago or taking time out to work with kids who are there and the volunteers. I think that the other players can really look at Charles as an example of the kind of guy that we want to have out here," he said.

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On the Net:

American Century Celebrity Golf Championship: www.tahoecelebritygolf.com