Garbutt named chairman

Newport Coast resident Ira J. Garbutt has accepted the position of

volunteer chairman for the most successful charity fundraiser on the

PGA Champions Tour, the Toshiba Senior Classic.

Garbutt replaces Jake Rohrer, who retired after eight years as

Toshiba Senior Classic tournament co-chairman.

“Over the years, Jake built an extremely efficient team of

volunteers,” said Garbutt, president of Newport Beach-based Certified

Financial Group, Inc. “I’m honored and pleased to now head a

volunteer team known for its outstanding service.”

Last year, the Toshiba Senior Classic raised more than $1.15

million for Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian and other Orange

County charities. Mark Johnson of Helendale, Calif., a former

beer-truck driver, celebrated his first PGA win last year at the

Toshiba Senior Classic.

A current member and former chairman of the Hoag Hospital

Endowment and Planned Gifts Committee, Garbutt became a member of the

Hoag Hospital Foundation Board of Directors in 2001 -- the same year

he underwent heart surgery at Hoag Hospital.

“Ira has been volunteering for Hoag Hospital Foundation for more

than a decade and has always done an exceptional job in every roll he

has fulfilled,” said Hank Adler, Toshiba Senior Classic chair. “He

will be a fabulous volunteer chair.”

Jeff Purser, Toshiba Senior Classic tournament director, believes

Garbutt is ideal for the position.

“Ira shares a passion and commitment for Hoag Hospital that

mirrors Jake’s legacy of hard work and dedication. We’re thrilled to

have him onboard,” said Purser

As Toshiba Senior Classic volunteer chairman, Garbutt will oversee

the volunteer operations committee--consisting of approximately 30

committees and 45 chair/co-chairs--and recruit 1,000 volunteers to

assist with tournament-related duties. Hank Adler will remain the

general chairman of the tournament.

The 2006 Toshiba Senior Classic will be held at Newport Beach

Country Club, March 13-19, 2006.

During the last eight years, the Toshiba Senior Classic has raised

more than $7.8 million for charity, the most on the Champions Tour.