Lewis Black Invitational Golf Tournament

The third annual Lewis Black Invitational benefiting The Luv u Project was held April 14 – 17, 2025 at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee in beautiful Georgia.  This incredible event was filled with much laughter, unique golf outings and lots of luv!  Request your invitation for the 2026 event!

2025 Event Schedule – Stay tuned for the 2026 Event Schedule!

2025 Golf Participant Package Includes (prices for 2026 coming soon):

$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 lbell@theluvuproject.org.

Sponsorship packages can be customized based on the number of golf packages needed.  Please contact Leah Bell at lbell@theluvuproject.org to find out more about available 2026 sponsorship packages.

Thank you to our 2025 sponsors:

Beverage Cart Sponsor – Chad Moore & Mike Brazier

Comedy Dinner – The Huggins Family

Golf Clinic – ICS Corporation

Social Guest Activity (Pontoon Boat Scavenger Hunt) – Lesa Hopkins and Gayle & Bill Greenberg

Closing Night Dessert Party – Helen Johnson

Reception Sponsor – First National Bank

Hospitality Room Sponsor – Don Julio

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 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

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

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

2026 Tournament Rules and Format – Coming Soon!

Click Here to Learn More about the Golf Course for Day 1 – The Landing

Click Here to Learn More About the Golf Course for Day 2 – Oconee Course

Click Here for the 2025 Event Schedule – 2026 Event Schedule Coming Soon!

Lewis Black Invitational guests enjoyed a fun-filled comedy dinner on Wednesday, April 16th. It was a memorable night!

Thank you to our 2025 Entertainers 

The Lewis Black Invitational benefiting The Luv u Project held 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.

2025 Live Auction Items (2026 Live Auction Items Coming Soon):

Getaway to Hammock Cove in Antigua

Enjoy a 10-night stay at Hammock Cove Resort in Antigua. The winner of this package will receive up to 3 villas with double occupancy in each room for up to 10 nights per villa.

Located adjacent to Devil’s Bridge National Park, this intimate villa resort provides a truly indulgent and customizable holiday for discerning travelers. All 41 private single-story villas are equipped with king beds, “infinity edge” plunge pool, spacious private terrace overlooking stunning turquoise waters, pickleball courts, personal guest ambassador, Michelin-Star Chef — Gourmet Dining and personal cocktail lounge.

All reservations are subject to a required supplement of $306-$323 per person/per night which provides all dining, all beverages (including alcohol), resort facilities & activities.

Donated by Elite Island Resorts

Lewis Black Invitational 2026 VIP Experience

Enhance next year’s Lewis Black Invitational in style with this VIP experience. The winner will receive an additional hotel night at 2026 venue—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 venue 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 2026 Lewis Black Invitational – this is a VIP Experience add on.

Donated by Peter Kostis and Friends of The Luv u Project

Experience Hollywood Like an Insider

The winner of this once in a lifetime package will experience Hollywood behind the scenes! Luv u Project Board Member, Drew McCoy, and his wife, actress Amy Aquino, will personally give you a customized tour of Hollywood, including tickets to see a sitcom taping or a TV drama filming. Every effort will be made to see the show of the winner’s choice, based on the availability of shows in production at the time. Also included, is the Warner Brothers VIP Studio Tour with lunch at the studio commissary, dinner at Musso & Frank Grill (the oldest restaurant in Hollywood), a $1,000 Fairmont Hotel Gift Card for a stay at the world-famous Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles and a three-day Avis car rental!  Winner will also receive a $500 Mastercard gift card to use for shopping or dining!

Hollywood visit valid to 5/1/2026.

Donated by Drew McCoy, Amy Aquino, Helen Johnson and Michelle Ashton

Enjoy New York with Lew’s Crew

Winner of this incredible auction package will experience a trip to New York City like no other! Winner will enjoy two premium tickets to two Broadway shows (based on availability), a pre or post show Italian feast prepared by the one and only Joe Grifasi and his goombah sidekick Willie Reale at Willie and Jené’s apartment in the heart of the theater district. Steve Olsen, gourmand and credentialed sommelier will provide expert wine service. The winner of this package will also enjoy a two-night hotel stay at a Hilton or Marriott property (based on availability).  Winner will also receive a $500 Mastercard gift card to use for shopping or dining!

Package must be used by May 1, 2026.

Donated by Willie & Jené Reale, Joe Grifasi, Steve Olsen, Helen Johnson and Michelle Ashton

Wine and Bourbon and Fun Oh My!

Wine and bourbon lovers get ready to enjoy this package! Winner will receive special wine list to make six selections for their table for the Comedy Dinner tomorrow night.

Winner will also receive special bottle of bourbon from Rich Mattingly’s private bourbon collection.
The fun does not stop there!

Winner will also receive a case of Lewis Noir wine shipped to them post event. This is Lewis’s own special blend of wine.

Donated by Rich Mattingly and Drew McCoy

Rare 9L Bottle of Axios

Wine lovers will be thrilled with this rare 9L Bottle of Axios donated by vintner Gus Kalaris and the Kalaris Family. Axios is well known and respected for perfect balance and consistently great reviews world wide. This incredible age worthy bottle of wine is valued at $8,500 and is one of only two produced.

Donated by Gus Kalaris

Return to Reynolds

Return to this beautiful venue for a vacation for two! Winner will enjoy a two-night stay at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, including breakfast for two each morning.
Winner will also enjoy a round of golf for two on one of Reynolds spectacular courses.
Winner will receive a three-day Avis car rental to get around the beautiful Lake Oconee.
Valid through April 30, 2026

Donated by: The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, Reynolds Golf, and Michelle Ashton