Tallahassee - Seminole nation is kicking off the Florida State University-Clemson game weekend by giving back with a series of charity events to benefit FSU head football coach Jimbo Fisher's Kidz1stFund and two Florida State University (FSU) charities, Seminole Boosters and the FSU Dedman

School of Hospitality.

The second annual Napleton Infiniti Old School Open includes a series of

events hosted throughout the weekend by the Old School Society to raise money

for all three charities.

Kidz1stFund is a

charity created by Coach Jimbo Fisher and his wife, Candi. Their mission is to

find a cure for Fanconi anemia, a rare blood disease that affects their

youngest son Ethan, along with thousands of other children throughout the

world. Last year the Old School Open raised over $100,000 for Kidz1stFund. In

the first year of Kidz1stFund's existence, more than $500,000 was raised

and donated to the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital,

doubling that university's current research budget for Fanconi anemia.

"One thing I've learned as a football coach is to never accept

defeat," Coach Fisher said. "We are in this to win the fight

against Fanconi anemia on behalf of all the children who share this struggle

with Ethan."

"We hope the half a million dollars raised in the first six months of

the Fund's existence, through the Old School Open and other generous

contributions, hopefully will have been a game changer in the fight against

Fanconi anemia," Candi Fisher said. "And we're just getting

started!"

Seminole Boosters is the fundraising arm of the FSU

Athletics Department and is charged with raising the funds necessary to fund a

nationally competitive athletics program. No state or university money can be

used to fund collegiate athletics, and revenues generated through ticket sales,

television and conference contracts are not enough to fully fund a successful

Division 1 program. Private money raised by Seminole Boosters is used to fund

athletics scholarships for more than 500 men and women, build athletics

facilities, fund fan-friendly game-day traditions and other events that help

FSU alumni and friends stay connected to their institution.

"It's organizations like the Old School Society and events like

the Open that continue the proud tradition of the Boosters' loyal and

generous contributors," said Boosters President & CEO Andy Miller.

"Contributions made to Seminole Boosters provide the framework for

Florida State University Athletics that makes winning possible with competitive

scholarships for athletes, state-of-art facilities, and championship caliber

coaches."

The Dedman School of Hospitality was founded in 1947 and

today is one of the premier hospitality academic programs in the country,

responsible for ensuring Florida's tourism industry continues to have a

wealth of talented and well-trained employees in a state with an economy that

depends on a vibrant tourism industry.

"With a nearly 100 percent placement rate for our graduates, the

Dedman School is the ideal place for students to prepare for a multitude of

opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industry," said Dr. Mark

Bonn, Dedman Professor of Service Management. "Charitable support for

Dedman ensures we have the best facilities to help prepare the next generation

of hospitality industry leaders in Florida."

This year, proceeds raised during the Old School Open will be divided among

the three charities and will be designated to the Seminole Boosters fundraising

efforts for a new indoor football practice facility, and to the Dedman School

of Hospitality's to help support the development of a new Center for Beverage

Management.

"These are all quality organizations that serve a lot of people in

need and rely on FSU alumni and supporters to provide them with the resources

to help improve the lives of others," said Adam Corey, one of the

founding members of Old School and creator of the Old School Open.

The weekend begins on Thursday, September 20th, at Old

School with a Wine and SeptemberFEST concert and dinner which includes an

upscale dinner hosted by Carrabba's Italian Grill, a craft beer tasting by Cone

Distributing, and a high-end wine tasting with varietals from vineyards

throughout the country supported by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging

Association (FRLA). The event also includes a live performance by the LoCash

Cowboys, a rising country music band from Nashville, TN.

Through generous contributions and donations of the Old School Open's

sponsors and supporters, a variety of premier items will be auctioned off to

raise money for all three charities. The event organizers hope that items like

the opportunity to play 18-holes with the "Golden Bear," Jack

Nicklaus at Nicklaus' exclusive golf club in Jupiter, Florida followed by

dinner with the Nicklauses and Fishers that will bring in large donations for

all three charities.

Organizers will also auction off a weekend fishing trip on-board a Viking

Yacht with FSU alum and current Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Christian Ponder

provided by Galati Yacht Sales. "Coach Fisher has played such an influential

role in the lives of so many students," said Christian Ponder. "These charity

events are the perfect opportunity to give back to the Fishers by contributing

to the Kidz1stFund while also raising money to benefit Florida State

University."

For more details about the event additional auction items or to sign up to

participate go to

href="http://www.oldschoolopen.com/">www.oldschoolopen.com. Friday,

September 21st is the 2nd Annual Napleton Infiniti Old School Open

golf tournament at Seminole Golf Course. Twenty-five teams will tee off in

support of all three great charities.

This year's events are also being supported by some of Florida's

top businesses and associations including, National Brokerage, Outback

Steakhouse, Harry's Bar & Grill, 101 Restaurant & Lounge, Pepsi

Refreshment Services, Crepevine, IMG Entertainment, and Oliva Cigars.

"In only our second year, this weekend has quickly become one of the

most popular charity events in Tallahassee," Corey said. "The

people who have come together in support of this weekend from our sponsors to

our phenomenal host committee have all generously donated their expertise and

countless hours to make this a premier event because they not only believe in

giving back to the community but because they are dedicated to supporting the

Fishers in their fight against Fanconi anemia and Seminole Nation!"

Learn more about the Old School

Society.

Learn more about Kidz1stFund

or donate to the cause.

Learn more about the

href="http://one.fsu.edu/community/page.aspx?pid=520">Seminole Boosters or

donate & support FSU athletics.

Learn more about the Dedman School of

Hospitality.