FORT SMITH, Ark. - Rheem Manufacturing Co. played host to hundreds of guests, over 20,000 visitors, and millions of golf fans during its Rheem Classic, a stop on the PGA's nationwide tour.

Every attendee was greeted with a souvenir program and opportunity to win prizes ranging from a new car, a complete Rheem home comfort system, a new kitchen, and a Harley Davidson motorcycle, to Apple iPods, and many other attractive prizes. The Rheem Prestige Series® and Ruud Ultra Series® high efficiency home comfort systems were also displayed. The 2006 Rheem Classic surpassed the $1 million mark in total contributions to 23 area charities, while assisting the PGA Tour to achieve its "Drive To A Billion" goal.

In the photo at right Darron Stiles of St. Petersburg, Fla., (center), pictured with Frank Fodge (left), Rheem Tournament Operations Director, and Jack Sinkler, division vice president, marketing, won the $90,000 winner's share of the one-half million dollar Rheem Classic purse in a sudden-death playoff over Nationwide Tour rookie, Michael Putnam.

Publication date: 08/21/2006