RANCHO MIRAGE, CA-The 2007 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic Ball, the "granddaddy" of all black tie social events of the desert promises to be an even greater hit than ever before to be held Sunday, January 14th at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa. This year's presenting sponsor is The Ritz-Carlton Club, the leading luxury fractional ownership brand.

Serving, for the second year, as chairpersons for the Classic Ball are Travis Erwin and Joan Lizza. "This years Bob Hope Chrysler Classic Ball will transport you to several exciting countries. Our theme is a fun, energetic and colorful Dinner Dance..."Passport to Hope", with a high energy around the world atmosphere, that will promptly begin at the 5:30 cocktail and entertainment hour", said Travis Erwin. "Another light fun, high excitement evening where the guests get lost in the moment and are entertained all through the event," stated Joan Lizza.

With the aid of party planner extraordinaire, Shari Kelley, the guests will be greeted by dancers of the middle east, and in the cocktail garden the guests will mingle among African drummers and dancers, with a giraffe, a Peruvian Band and a South American llama, and an Asian Candy Scupturer along with a camel from the middle east.

The doors will open to the Imperial Ballroom at 7:00 for a delicious dinner with the cuisine taking the guests to other countries. Tom Dreesen will again serve as the master of ceremonies, with dancing to Les Brown's Band of Renown. During the evening one lucky guest will win the use of a 2007 Chrysler Aspen for two years donated by Chrysler. George Lopez, the 2007 tournament host, will of course, be in the audience.

The Classic Ball will feature Gladys Knight who for over 50 years has entertained the world with her gifts of voice and spirit. Georgia born, she began performing gospel music at age four and at age seven, she won Ted Mack's Amateur Hour (the 1950's version of today's Star Search) and its $2,000 grand prize. At age eight she formed a little group called "The Pips" and in 1962 the group became Gladys Knight & The Pips.

Four decades of hits followed on several record labels and ten songs reached #1 on the R&B chart, five became Top 20 pop hits, three were awarded Grammy's, two in 1973, "Midnight Train To Georgia" and "Neither One Of Us" (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye) and a solo Grammy for "At Last".

Graced by Gladys' exquisite voice, and the dramatic choral arrangements of the Pips, the group transcended countless musical fads, achieved mainstream and international success in the mid 1970's, and made some of the most memorable records of our time: "Every Beat Of My Heart", "Letter Full of Tears", "I Heard It Through The Grapevine", "Friendship Train", "Midnight Train To Georgia", and "Love Overboard". In all, 36 albums have touched music lovers' emotions, caused them to dream, and dance. The last two, Good Woman and Just For You are Gladys' own presentations.

Gladys made her world premiere as a solo artist in 1989. The inspiration for Good Woman is the magical essence of Gladys Knight herself who said "It's about loving oneself, and loving each other and loving your man and him loving you." "Good Woman" marked the emergence of Gladys as a songwriter as well. Gladys has been inducted into the Rhythm 'n' Blues Hall of Fame.

"The Bob Hope Chrysler Classic Ball has been the Number One social event of the desert and has signaled the beginning of 'Classic Week', which culminates with crowning the winner of the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic," John Foster, president and tournament chairman stated.

Tickets for this star-studded event are $750 per person, benefiting Desert Classic Charities. Seating is limited so don't delay, call now for an invitation.

The net proceeds from the Classic Ball and Tournament have generated over $43 million since 1960 and have been distributed to Eisenhower Medical Center and over 120 other Coachella Valley charities.

If you are interested in receiving an invitation to the 2007 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic Ball, phone the Classic office at (760)346-8184 or visit our web site www.bhcc.com.

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About The Ritz-Carlton Club
The Ritz-Carlton Club is a deeded, fractional ownership real estate offering combining the benefits of second home ownership with personalized Ritz-Carlton services and amenities. Designed as a private club, Members have the opportunity to access their luxuriously-appointed home Club or other Ritz-Carlton Clubs through reciprocal use privileges. Members also have the ability to utilize additional time as available, as well as enjoy exclusive benefits at Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts worldwide. Properties: Aspen Highlands and Bachelor Gulch, Colo.; St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.; and Jupiter Fla. Coming soon: San Francisco and North Lake Tahoe, Calif.; Kapalua Bay, Maui and Kauai Lagoons, Hawaii; and Miami's South Beach in Fla. Visit online at www.ritzcarltonrealestate.com.