David Cook to Play Evert Tennis Classic, Run the LA Marathon for Charity

David Cook has been confirmed to play in this year’s Raymond James and Chris Evert Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic. He played in last year’s classic. The event will take place November 11th-13th.

He’s also set to run his first marathon–the 2012 Honda LA Marathon–on behalf of Acclerate Brain Cancer for a cure. The American Idol Season 7 Idol winner hopes to raise 100K ahead of the race. The Honda LA Marathon takes place in Los Angeles on March 18, 2012.

Read the official press release announcing the marathon:

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — American Idol champion David Cook announced today he plans to run his first marathon and launch a fundraising campaign to help find a cure for brain cancer, which claimed his brother’s life two years ago. Cook says he hopes to raise $100, 000 leading up to the 2012 Honda LA Marathon on behalf of Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC2).

While the Honda LA Marathon will be Cook’s first time completing 26.2 miles on foot, the musician is not new to running or the fundraising scene. Over the past three years, he ran the Race for Hope – DC 5K race to raise funds for ABC2, a non-profit that provides researchers with the support they need to make critical breakthroughs, and the National Brain Tumor Society. Cook’s older brother’s struggle with brain cancer has provided him with the extra motivation to raise charitable funds for the cause while training for the marathon.

“Running a full marathon has always been a goal of mine, and I’m excited to commit to running the Los Angeles race in 2012, ” said Cook. “I’m looking forward to pushing myself physically, and to using the Marathon as an opportunity to raise money for a cause that is close to my heart. I felt an immediate connection to ABC2 and the work that they do in the brain cancer field – I know that my fundraising efforts will give me that extra push I need to get across the finish line next March.

Cook will roll out his ambitious fundraising efforts on Crowdrise.com, the Honda LA Marathon’s official fundraising platform launched by actor/activist Edward Norton in 2010. Beginning at 9:30AM PDT today, the first 50 people to donate $26 to David’s run for ABC2 will receive an autographed photo. Backstage VIP passes, signed guitars and meet and greets will also be incentives offered during his six-month campaign for ABC2.

On October 9th, Cook will embark on a national tour alongside Gavin DeGraw that kicks off at Penn State University. The pair will travel through the Midwest, California, down to Texas and then end their tour on November 11th in Athens, Georgia. Cook’s Twitter updates and blog entries throughout his travels will direct concert goers and fans to his Crowdrise page and help raise awareness of his fundraising efforts in connection with the marathon.

Cook will join more than 25, 000 other participants on March 18, 2012 for the third running of the marathon’s successful “Stadium to the Sea” route, which takes runners from Dodger Stadium to the Santa Monica Pier, with a highlight reel of sights in between: famous districts such as Chinatown and Little Tokyo; iconic areas including the Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive; and noteworthy L.A. landmarks Walt Disney Concert Hall, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, the Capitol Records Building and many more.

About mj santilli 34837 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!