Huggins

        The Provident Bank Celebrity Golf Classic, hosted by Bob Huggins, might be a fun time for participants, fans who attend and Huggins himself.But the University of Cincinnati men's basketball coach has a greater purpose for the annual outing, which will be July 2 at Kenwood Country Club: It is the top fund-raising event for the Bob Huggins Foundation, typically bringing in $125,000 to $150,000.

        The foundation's primary goal is to raise $750,000 for the Bob Huggins Sports Pavilion, a state-of-the-art, 40,000-square-foot facility that is slated to be part of a new Carl and Edyth Lindner Family YMCA.

        “We've always been in it to help kids,” Huggins said. “I wanted something tangible that you could put your hands on. I think it'd be a neat thing when you're retired to have a place where you can go help kids and spend time and work with kids.

IF YOU GO

What: Provident Bank Celebrity Golf Classic   When: Shotgun starts at 8 a.m. July 2   Where: Kenwood Country Club   To participate: Call 621-8988 before Wednesday (limited number of openings available)   Benefits: Bob Huggins Foundation   Features: More than 70 nationally recognized sports celebrities are expected to participate, including coaches John Calipari (Memphis), Steve Lavin (UCLA), Bobby Lutz (Charlotte), Skip Prosser (Wake Forest), Charlie Spoonhour (UNLV), and several former Bearcats.   Also: Provident Bank Celebrity Golf Classic Tip-Off Party   When: 5-9 p.m. July 1   Where: Michael G's Restaurant   Features: Roving buffets, open bar, entertainment, cigar selections and sports memorabilia auction   Cost: $75 per person (call 621-8988 for reservations)

        “My dad had a camp, and I worked camp from the time I was in eighth grade, so I've always (worked with kids). Kids are our future. I think everybody should give something back. The community's been great to us — the program, my family, everybody.”

        The pavilion is expected to include a fitness center, aquatic center, teen program center and event and community gathering rooms.

        Jerry Haralson, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, said a site in the West End has been chosen for the Lindner Family YMCA, and the YMCA is close to starting to negotiate with homeowners to buy the property.

        “Our target is to have the property secured by November of this year,” he said. “We would then start doing all of the architectural planning. I think it'll probably take us six to eight months before we actually start the construction. This time next year, we'd be under construction.”

        Huggins' foundation, which started in September 1998, is a division of Athletes Reaching Out Foundation, which also represents New Orleans quarterback Jeff Blake, former Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds third baseman Tim Naehring, Bengals offensive lineman Willie Anderson and Bengals linebacker Takeo Spikes. Naehring and Judi Sturwold founded ARO in 1996.

        In September '99, the Huggins Hoop Revival program began. The goal is to create a safe environment for kids to spend time and develop basketball skills. The program includes motivational seminars, clinics, mentoring programs and tutorial classes for kids.

        The Huggins Foundation raises money through events such as the Madness March, a 5K run, walk and 1-mile kids fun run that was March 11. On Sept.5-6, the Huggy-Tubby Classic — a two-day golfevent with Huggins and Kentucky coach Tubby Smith — will benefit the Huggins Foundation and the Tubby Smith Foundation (call 621-8988 for details). Huggins donates speaking and appearance fees, as well.

        “Bob is really wanting to give back to this community,” Haralson said.

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