$20,000 now committed to new South Lake Tahoe Recreation & Aquatics Center in memory of Wakefields

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - American Century Investments has matched the $10,000 donation to the new South Lake Tahoe Recreation and Aquatics Center. During the American Century Championship, NBC remembered Tim and Stacy Wakefield, announcing a pledge of $10,000 annually in their names to support the new center, and now the host is adding their own $10,000 this year.

NBC initiated the program to honor the couple’s charitable legacy and their longtime association with the tournament and through it, the South Lake Tahoe community. The Wakefields were beloved attendees here for 11 consecutive years. In honor of the first tournament since their passing, organizers ensured they would not be forgotten. Tim, who pitched for the Boston Red Sox for 17 years and won two World Series titles, had played in the American Century Championship the past 11 years. He was caring for his wife Stacy last year as she was battling pancreatic cancer when he was diagnosed with brain cancer. He passed away at age 57, on Oct. 2, 2023, and Stacy died five months later at 53. They left two children, Trevor, 20, and Brianna, 18.

“Once again, our partners at both NBC and American Century Investments have demonstrated their commitment to our community,” said Carol Chaplin, president and CEO of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, the tournament’s destination sponsor. “What they’ve done on behalf of the area resonates throughout the year, not just for one week in July. We value our long-term business relationship but more importantly, our friendship. This event makes a positive difference for locals and now, through the Tim and Stacy Wakefield recognition, the benefit continues.”

At a press conference during this year’s tournament, Gary Quinn, NBC Sports Vice President of Programming and General Manager of Owned Properties, and a personal Wakefield friend who initiated the program, said, “Tim and Stacy loved the Lake Tahoe community, and we're proud that their legacy is going to be honored for many years to come with the recreation center association. This event is 35 years old primarily because of how this community has embraced us. We have a responsibility and desire to give back the way they've given to us, and we thought this was a memorable way to keep Tim and Stacy in our hearts.”

“We are deeply grateful to American Century Investments for their generous donation to the South Tahoe Parks Foundation,” said Cody Bass, mayor of South Lake Tahoe. “This donation will go to our new recreation and aquatics center and will enable us to offer improved facilities, programs, and services. For over thirty years this tournament, through the long-standing commitment of American Century Investments, NBC, LTVA, and Edgewood Companies, has always contributed to enhancing the quality of life for our residents and visitors through donations to many local organizations. This is one more example of their dedication to our community.”

During the press conference, Kevin Millar, Wakefield’s friend and Red Sox teammate who is also a regular at the ACC, summed it up, “Everybody in this room has probably been touched by Tim Wakefield at some point. Tim Wakefield and Stacy Wakefield were two of the greatest people you ever met. Tim gave his time every single day, and he did it while he was a big leaguer.”

The ACC honored Tim during the tournament with his number, 49, embroidered on all the player’s hats, stenciled in the fairway 49 yards from the 18th green, and the pin flag on 18 also displayed his number.

A Tim Wakefield quote that Stacy found soon after his passing reflected his life’s philosophy:

Never forget where you came from. Be a mentor to others. You didn't get to where you are today by yourself, and no matter what status you accomplish in life, you should assume the responsibility to help those who are less fortunate than you. - Tim Wakefield

The American Century Championship is played annually at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev. The area’s largest annual special event features more than 80 sports and entertainment celebrities in a 54-hole competition aired on NBC Sports. American Century Investments, the title sponsor since 1999, continues its role in partnership with NBC Sports, the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course and the South Tahoe community. Since its inception in 1990, the American Century Championship has donated nearly $8 million to local and national non-profits. For tournament information and updates: AmericanCenturyChampionship.

For information, assistance, and donations toward the South Lake Tahoe Recreation & Aquatic Center, please visit https://southtahoeparksfoundation.org/.