The Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach again will play a key role in building excitement for the 38th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach with the Toyota Grand Prix Charity Golf Tournament at Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach on April 9 and the Toyota Grand Prix Charity Ball on April 13 at the Westin Long Beach.

The Foundation, since its inception in 1991, has contributed more than $2.75 million to a wide variety of charitable organizations throughout the greater Long Beach area. In 2011, the Foundation contributed more than $175,000 to local charities such as Miller Children's Hospital, Women's Shelter Long Beach, Operation Jump Start, the Short Stop Program, Ronald McDonald House and the Long Beach Century Club, along with the Robert E. Leslie Scholarship Program for graduating high school seniors.

Among the 2012 charities that will benefit from the Foundations activities are Miller Children's Hospital and Children's Hospital of Orange County, the Long Beach Area Special Olympics and the Robert E. Leslie Scholarship Program.

"The Grand Prix Foundation is very proud of the work we do in support of local charities while at the same time playing an active role in the overall experience that is the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach," said Rick Duree, president of the Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach.

Thanks to low administrative costs and a volunteer base of more than 200 local citizens, 90 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to charities selected by the Foundation's 11-member Board of Directors.

For more information about the Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach, visit www.gplb.com or call (562) 490-4509.