Lewis Black Invitational - Golf Tournament Benefitting The Luv u Project

April 14 - 17, 2025
Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee

Event Details

We are thrilled to announce the third annual Lewis Black Invitational benefiting The Luv u Project will be held April 14 – 17, 2025 at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee in beautiful Georgia.  This incredible event will be filled with much laughter, unique golf outings and lots of luv! Request your invitation!

Check Out the Event Schedule

Golf Participant Package Includes:

$6,000 ($2,320 Tax Deductible)

  • Roundtrip, coach-class airfare
  • 3 nights of hotel accommodations at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee
  • Ground transportation to and from the airport
  • Arrival day Golf Clinic and Exhibition with Peter Kostis and John Kostis 
  • Two days of first-class, fun golf at Reynolds, Lake Oconee Courses
  • All meals and beverages (Monday night through Thursday morning)
  • Entertainment by award-winning comedians

Social Guest Participants are welcome too!  All the fun, minus the golf!  Social Guest packages are $3,000 ($1,200 Tax Deductible).  There are planned activities for social guests!

For questions about the 2025 event, please contact Leah Bell at [email protected].

 

Sponsorship

Sponsorship packages can be customized based on the number of golf packages needed.  Please contact Leah Bell at [email protected] to find out more about available 2024 sponsorship packages.

Thank you to our 2024 sponsors:

Beverage Cart Sponsor – Chad Moore & Mike Brazier

2023 Beverage Cart Sponsors – Chad Moore and Mike Brazier

Comedy Dinner – The Huggins Family

Golf Clinic – ICS Corporation

Social Guest Activity (Desert Jeep Tours) – Lesa Hopkins, Helen Johnson and Gayle & Bill Greenberg

Reception Sponsor – First National Bank

Event Host

Known as the King of Rant, LEWIS BLACK uses his trademark style of comedic yelling and animated finger-pointing to skewer anything and anyone that gets under his skin. His comedic brilliance lies in his ability to make people laugh at the absurdities of life, with topics that include current events, social media, politics and anything else that exposes the hypocrisy and madness he sees in the world.

Receiving critical acclaim as a stand-up, actor and author, Black has performed for audiences throughout Europe, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. In 2012, he performed eight sell-out shows at Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway. Since 2014 Lewis Black has done over 400 live streaming shows, called THE RANT IS DUE, at the end of each of his standup performances. Adding his own unique style, Lewis delivers audience-written Rants which have been submitted from the fans at his show and throughout the world.  These rants are now available on Lewis Black’s podcast, Rant Cast.

Born in Washington D.C. on Aug. 30, 1948, Black was raised in Silver Spring, Md. Colicky as a baby, he was destined to be angry and easily irritated. His mother, a teacher, and his father, a mechanical engineer, instilled the importance of education and the necessity to question authority—lessons that influenced Black throughout his life. He fell in love with the theatre at age 12, after seeing his first play, which led to pursuing a career in drama. Degrees followed from the University of North Carolina and Yale Drama School, with a stint in Colorado owning a theatre with a group of friends in the interim. During his tenure at UNC, Black ventured into stand-up, performing at Cat’s Cradle in Chapel Hill. Stand-up was a steady presence as he pursued his career in theatre.

Black eventually settled in New York City and became the playwright-in-residence at the West Bank Café’s Downstairs Theatre Bar. He oversaw the development of more than 1,000 plays, including works by “West Wing” creator Aaron Sorkin, “American Beauty” writer Alan Ball, as well as his own original works. In addition to overseeing the works on stage, Black emceed every show. As the West Bank grew, so did Black’s stand-up skills. He left the West Bank in the late 1980s to pursue stand-up full time.

In 1996, his friend Lizz Winstead tapped him to create a weekly segment for Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show.” The segment, a three-minute rant about whatever was bothering him at the moment, evolved into Back in Black, becoming one of the most popular and longest-running segments on the show for both the Jon Stewart era, and now The Daily Show with Trevor Noah.  Black has also taped four specials for the “Comedy Central Presents” series, co-created “Last Laugh with Lewis Black” and presided over “Lewis Black’s The Root of All Evil.” His popular appearances on Comedy Central helped to win him Best Male Stand-Up at the American Comedy Awards in 2001.

Increased exposure from “The Daily Show” generated a record deal with Stand Up! Records. His first CD, “The White Album,” was released in 2000 to critical acclaim. Black followed with eleven more—six under the Comedy Central Records label. He has received six Grammy® nominations and two wins for his work. The first nomination came in 2006 for “Luther Burbank Performing Arts Center Blues,” the second in 2009 for “Anticipation.” In 2007 he won the Grammy for Best Comedy Album for “The Carnegie Hall Performance,” and again in 2011 for “Stark Raving Black.” His 2012 release, “In God We Rust” (Comedy Central Records) was also nominated for a Grammy.  This year he was again nominated for a Grammy, for his comedy album “Thanks for Risking Your Life”.

Black has filmed two specials for HBO, including “Black On Broadway” and “Red, White and Screwed.” The latter was nominated for an Emmy® in 2007. He had a regular feature for two seasons on “Inside the NFL” (for which he earned a Sports Emmy) and in 2006, he was asked to participate in “Comic Relief.”

In 2009 Lewis filmed his first feature length concert film, “Stark Raving Black,” at the Fillmore Theatre in Detroit. The film had a limited run in theaters across the U.S. and Canada in the summer of 2010. At the end of the theater run, premium movie channel EpixHD picked up the film for its channel, along with the accompanying documentary, “Basic Black.” Both are aired regularly and can be found in the EpixHD on-demand queue. In 2011, he produced his second full-length concert, “In God We Rust,” which also airs on EpixHD. In August 2013, Black recorded his ninth stand-up special “Old Yeller: Live At The Borgata.” His newest special Thanks for Risking Your Life (premiered October 6, 2020) was his last live performance before the Covid lockdown.

In 2015, Black joined the cast of Madoff (ABC mini series). Black portrays Ezra Merkin, who, after investing with Madoff and receiving great returns, brought many famous and well-to-do Jewish clients, including Elie Weisel and The Hadassah Organization, to Bernie’s fold.

Black has appeared on “Larry King Live,” “Piers Morgan Tonight,” “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” “The Late Show with David Letterman,” “Late Night with Conan O’ Brian” and “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.” Black has also had numerous appearances on CNN and MSNBC and has occasionally done the weather with Al Roker.

In the midst of a rigorous touring schedule, regular TV appearances and movie roles, Black has written three best-selling books: “Nothing’s Sacred” (Simon and Schuster, 2005), “Me of Little Faith” (Riverhead Books, 2008) and “I’m Dreaming of a Black Christmas” (Riverhead Books, 2010). All garnered critical praise as well commercial success and spent numerous weeks on the New York Times best sellers list.

Black has penned more than 40 plays, many of which have been produced around the country. “The Deal,” a dark comedy about business, was made into a short film in 1998 and picked up by the Sundance Channel. In 2011, his play “One Slight Hitch” was produced at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and then again in 2012 at both the ACT Theatre in Seattle and The George Street Theatre in New Brunswick.

In 2006, Black had a break-out year as an actor, co-starring with Robin Williams in Barry Levinson’s “Man of the Year” (Universal Pictures). He also appeared as “the fake dean of a fake college” in Steve Pink’s “Accepted” (Universal Pictures) and as the harried airport manager in Paul Feig’s “Unaccompanied Minors” (Warner Bros.). He lent his voice to Jimmy in Bob Sagat’s parody “Farce of the Penguins” (Thinkfilm).

In 2015, Black notably voiced the character “Anger” in the Academy Award winning film from Pixar, “Inside Out.” The film is about an 11-year-old-girl, Riley, who is dealing with a move across the country, and wrestling with the emotions inside her head: Joy (Amy Poehler), Sadness (Phyllis Smith), Fear (Bill Hader), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and, Lewis Black. Early film pitches actually named the comedian to illustrate how an iconic voice like Black’s could bring a character like Anger to life. Black, who’s a fan of all things Pixar, calls the opportunity a career-defining role. “I knew from the very beginning that this was going to be special,” he says. “I’ll be remembered as this little red guy who yells and his head goes on fire.”

As a long time mentor with the 52nd Street Project, Black was roasted in Charred Black 2007, which drew the largest fundraising numbers in the Project’s history. He’s a member of their advisory board, is co-chair of their capital campaign, and in 2000, the Ron Black Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in memory of his late brother. Black is also committed to raising funds for the Rusty Magee Clinic for Families and Health. He’s a strong supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Luv u Project and a variety of charities for Autism including NEXT for AUTISM.  He was honored by both The Brady Center for his commitment to ending gun violence in 2012 and by the ACLU of Georgia with their National Civil Liberties Award. At the Williamstown Theatre Festival, he established the William Foeller Fellowship, having taught and performed at the festival for more than a decade. Black also supports our military personnel and has performed in three USO Holiday tours with Admiral Mullen, Robin Williams, Kid Rock, Kathleen Madigan and a host of others.

Black resides in both Manhattan and Chapel Hill, N.C. Still loyal to his alma mater, he’s worked with UNC students to create the Carolina Comedy Festival, a yearly festival on the UNC campus that highlights performances and provides workshops and lectures for budding comics, writers and performers. With his involvement at UNC, Black continues a life-long commitment to education and the arts. He continues to tour heavily, playing countless dates each year and providing a cathartic release of anger and disillusionment for his audience.

In his leisure time, Black likes to play golf, even though golf hates him.

Travel Information

Travel Information will be available to guests once they purchase a participant package.  The Luv u Project will take care of booking all travel arrangements for guests including booking airfare and hotel.

Event Airports – Atlanta Airport

Event Hotel – Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee

Click Here to See the Beautiful Venue

 

Golf

Lewis Black Invitational Golf Participants will be treated to a golf clinic and exhibition on the arrival day by Peter Kostis and John Kostis.

Golf Participants will also enjoy two days of golf Lake Oconee Golf Courses.

Click Here for 2024 Tournament Format and Rules

Click Here to Learn More About the 2024 Golf Courses

 

Event Schedule

Entertainment

Lewis Black Invitational guests will enjoy a fun-filled comedy dinner on Wednesday, April 16th. It is sure to be a memorable night!

Thank you to our 2024 Entertainers:

Lewis Black
Ronny Chieng

 

Jeff Stilson
Steve Cochran
Andrea Darlas

Live Auction

The Lewis Black Invitational benefiting The Luv u Project will have a live auction during the dinner on Tuesday night, April 15th.

There will also be an opportunity for event guests to make a donation to The Luv u Project through Gifts of Luv.  Gifts of Luv donations are 100% tax deductible.

2024 Live Auction Items (2025 Live Auction Items Coming Soon):

Getaway to Palm Island Resort & Spa, The Grenadines

Take your family on an incredible 10-night stay at Palm Island Resort & Spa in The Grenadines. The winner of this package will receive up to 3 rooms with double occupancy in each room.

An exclusive, 135-acre private island hideaway, situated near the southern tip of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, offers 5 dazzling white-sand beaches, sumptuous dining, non-motorized water sports, nature trails, tennis, fitness center, free-form swimming pool with waterfall, and spa. This award winning world-class resort is set in pure paradise where tranquility reigns and an unforgettable experience of a lifetime is inevitable. This Resort Certificate provides 10 nights accommodation for up to 3 rooms (double occupancy) at Palm Island Resort & Spa.

All reservations are subject to a required supplement of $265 per person/per night which provides all dining, all beverages (including alcohol), resort facilities & activities.

Donated by Elite Island Resorts

 

Lewis Black Invitational 2025 VIP Experience

Enhance next year’s Lewis Black Invitational in style with this VIP experience. The winner will receive an additional hotel night at Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee in Georgia—the winner’s choice of either the night before the event begins or staying an additional night at the end.

The VIP experience will also include a private golf lesson with Peter Kostis at the resort, an additional round of golf for four at one of the fabulous Lake Oconee golf courses (golf course will be based on availability), and a dozen Lewis Black Invitational Titleist Pro V1 golf balls for each member of their foursome. Lewis will even sign your balls!

Lesson with Peter Kostis must be coordinated in advance. This package does NOT include entry to the 2025 Lewis Black Invitational – this is a VIP Experience add on.

Donated by Peter Kostis and Friends of The Luv u Project

 

Return to Dove Mountain

Return to this beautiful venue for a vacation for two! Winner will enjoy a two-night stay at The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain in Arizona, including breakfast for two each morning. Enjoy this five-star resort’s three pools, follow a morning hike with fresh juice made from oranges you picked along the way, or visit the resort spa to loosen up with a gemstone massage. Winner will also enjoy a round of golf for two at The Golf Club at Dove Mountain, which offers players challenges amid Arizona’s distinct natural beauty. The club’s 27 holes of championship golf sprawl across three courses, each designed by Jack Nicklaus. Winner will receive a three-day Avis car rental to get around the beautiful Arizona desert.

Valid through April 30, 2025

Donated by: The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain, The Golf Club at Dove Mountain, and Michelle Ashton

 

Vacation Getaway on Pawley’s Island

Enjoy a 7-night stay at this beautiful 6-bedroom beach home on the tip of Pawley’s Island north end in South Carolina.

The house sleeps up to 18 people. The main floor has a handicap accessible bedroom which has a queen bed and bath with roll in shower. The house does have an elevator. The upstairs has: 2 kings, 2 queens (in the same room), 2 twin bunk beds and 1 double bunk bed. Also includes five full and one ½ bath.

This incredible house has a media room to enjoy movie nights. There are 2 outdoor showers to rinse off after a day at the beach.

Restrictions: Booking (based on availability). Dates must be coordinated with Jane Huggins

Donated by The Huggins Family

 

16 Year Vertical of Axios Wine

Wine lovers get ready for this amazing sixteen year Vertical of Axios.

This package includes 750 ML bottles of years 2000, 2003, 2005, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2021. Also includes two 375 ML bottles of the following years – 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2012.

Winner will also receive a special Durrand wine opener (specific corkscrew for old wines).

Wine will be shipped directly to the winner.

Donated by Gus Kalaris

 

NCAA Championship Game Reserved Seating at Watch Party Tonight

Watch the NCAA Men’s Championship game as a VIP! The winner of this exciting package will receive the VIP treatment for up to six in front of the big-screen TV in the hospitality room for tonight’s College Championship Game. Exclusive snacks and beverages (alcohol and non-alcoholic), including a bottle of rare bourbon from Rich Mattingly’s personal collection, will be delivered to you and your guests during the game, so you do not have to get up!

Winner also receives six custom Lewis Black Invitational beer cups to drink out of tonight and take home after the event.

Donated by Friends of The Luv u Project

 

VIP Access to Lewis Black’s Last Show of Tour for 2024

Winner of this incredible experience will receive four tickets to see Lewis Black‘s last show of his Goodbye Yeller Brick Road – The Final Tour.  Winner will also receive four meet and greet passes to see Lewis backstage after the show.  Be one of the few people who get the opportunity to be at Lewis‘ last performance of his retirement tour!

Package includes two hotel rooms in the city of the performance for one night at a Marriott or Hilton property based on availability.

Also, includes a two-day car rental from Avis.

Date of last performance will be shared with winner as soon as possible.

Donated by Lewis Black, Benjamin Brewer and Michelle Ashton