Branson/Tri-Lakes News: Andy Williams, Hilton join for charity fundraiser

Bill Tirone, director of sales and marketing for Hilton Hotels in Branson, thought of a unique way to raise money for the Boys and Girl Clubs of the Ozarks, and Andy Williams jumped on board.

The Moon River Vacation Package offers two nights in the presidential suite at the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, limo service, tickets to Williams' Moon River Theatre, dinner at his Moon River Grill and 18 holes of golf with Williams at the Payne Stewart Golf Club. The price of the one-time package is $12,000.

Williams remains an avid golfer and in good shape at 81. He hosted the PGA Andy Williams San Diego Open for 20 years.

"I've always supported the Boys and Girls Club," he said. "It's a charity where you can actually see its good effect on young people."

Williams is rehearsing now for his All-Star Variety Show starting Sept. 1. His biography, "Moon River and Me," comes out in October, and he'll do an extensive book tour including a stop in London, where he'll play the Royal Albert Hall.

For more information about the package, call Tirone at (417) 243-3410.

World-class athletes in Branson

On Sept. 19, 2010, the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce will host the first Ironman 70.3 Branson, a triathlon expected to attract as many as 2,000 amateur and professional athletes to compete for $25,000 in prize money.

Since the multisport endurance event was announced last month, 95 athletes from 17 states and two from Canada have registered, said Kathleen Bullock, chamber director of tourism development. Most will sign up after this year's triathlon season ends in October, she said.

The 70.3-mile event includes a 1.2-mile swim in Table Rock Lake near host hotel Chateau on the Lake. A challenging 56-mile bike course follows, ending with a 13.1 mile run course. The sites provide numerous spectator opportunities.

Branson's reputation as a travel destination should help the Ironman 70.3 Branson develop into a popular event in the series, said Ironman's Chief Operations Officer Steve Meckfessel.

Becky Lowrance, director of operations for Sweet Magnolia Tours in Branson, has signed up. At 52, she's been a runner for 30 years, and she runs 50 miles a week. Now, she's training in biking and swimming, she said.

"People will come with their families from all over the U.S., Canada, and maybe some from Europe," she added.

For more information, visit www.ironmanbranson.com.

Dionne Warwick and B.J. Thomas

The music scene heats up next month in Branson with a concert featuring two giants in the music business at RFD-TV The Theatre.

Legendary producer Joe Sullivan said he's always wanted to get these two stars with parallel careers together for a concert. Dionne Warwick and B.J. Thomas both had early success on the Scepter Records label, and both had huge hits with Burt Bacharach-Hal David songs. And both sold millions of records, had many top-10 hits and won several Grammy Awards.

Warwick's hits include "I'll Never Fall In Love Again," "Walk On By" and "Alfie." Among Thomas' hits are the pop/rock "Hooked On A Feeling" and country "(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song."

The concerts start at 8 p.m. Sept. 18 and 19 at RFD-TV The Theatre. For more information, visit www.rfdtv.com.Kathryn Buckstaff, membership public relations manager of Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, can be reached at kbuckstaff@bransoncvb.com.