The Tribune

LEGENDARY professional baseball player turned executive Derek Jeter will hold his inaugural Derek Jeter Celebrity Invitational (DJCI) Gala at Baha Mar’s Performing Arts & Convention Center in The Bahamas on Saturday, April 30.

Grammy award winning artist Pitbull will headline the star-studded event, and acclaimed radio personality, author, hip hop artist and actress Angie Martinez will emcee the evening.

This year’s DJCI will kick off Thursday, April 28, with a private welcome reception at Marcus at Baha Mar Fish and Chop House hosted by Angie Martinez, featuring music by legendary, award-winning artist, DJ, and philanthropist D-Nice.

The two-round Celebrity-Amateur tournament, which pairs one celebrity with three amateur participants, will begin Friday, April 29 at the 18-hole Royal Blue Golf Course and conclude Saturday, April 30.

Since the event launched in Las Vegas in 2015, DJCI has contributed more than $8 million to The Turn 2 Foundation. Established in 1996, Turn 2 supports initiatives that promote leadership development, academic achievement, positive behaviour, healthy lifestyles and social change among young people.

This year’s event partners include Baha Mar, ICON International, JP Sports + Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Discovery.

Among the stars joining Jeter are Sharlee Jeter, Pitbull, Anthony Anderson, Tiki Barber, Reggie Bush, Kevin Dillon, D-Nice, Joey Fatone, Tom Felton, Cliff Floyd, Jennie Finch, Ken Griffey Jr, Andruw Jones, Angie Martinez, Tino Martinez, Jorge Posada, Patrick Peterson, Ahmad Rashad, CC Sabathia, Paige Spiranac, Tanyon Sturtze, Jason Taylor and Joe Torre.

Since its launch in December 1996, The Turn 2 Foundation has created and supported programmes and activities that motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and “Turn 2” healthy lifestyles.

Through various specialised programmes and events, the Foundation works with youth in New York City, West Michigan and Tampa, empowering them to reach their full potential. Its signature Jeter’s Leaders initiative is a four-year leadership development programme that fosters academic achievement, positive behaviour and social change among high school students.

During its 26-year history, Turn 2 has given back more than $35 million, funding its signature programmes as well as organisations that support its mission.