Things are falling into place for the fabulous 2008 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic. In fact, the PGA has just announced its entire tour. Golfing venues have been chosen for this year's rotation, the 2008 Classic Girls have been chosen and George Lopez will be the official host. As usual, there is a sense of excitement and anticipation in the Desert Cities of La Quinta and Palm Desert as the world famous charity event moves to its opening on January 17th. But, for some, the excitement is not just based on being spectators watching a popular sport, but on participating in an event that launch their careers and change their lives.
The young ladies chosen to act as goodwill ambassadors for an event that has become a tradition in this area are Emily Harrison now called "Hope", Colie Cullen, newly named "Chrysler" and Kelsey Peterson, whose ambassadorial title is "Classic," are all young aspiring performers. This event may very well open doors to them that happens when you are in an event that will be seen by many tourists and visitors but also broadcast throughout the world.
They will help support the hosting activities of George Lopez, the famous Mexican comedian. George is now a household word but he was somewhat like Emilie, Colie and Kelsey, an unknown quantity. In fact, his initial career was built on self-depreciating stand-up comedy which was originally embraced by the Latino community. 
Much of his material was drawn from his own very Traditional Mexican-American background. Lopez' popularity was not based on projecting himself as rich and famous but as somewhat vulnerable, complex and a little dense at times. This image has served him in his work in the George Lopez Show, the most successful longest running situation comedy featuring a Latino actor. The first was I Love Lucy so it is obviously a formidable achievement. But George, like so many others, started somewhat lower than Top Banana.
What's great about the Valley is that it provides all kinds of surprise opportunities for local people. As a magnet for stars, charity events and special sporting extravaganzas, opportunities can pop up behind almost every cactus. You just never know where. Two of this year's Classic Girls are local girls, Emily Harrison and Collie Cullen, real residents of Coachella Valley. What an honor to serve with the esteemed, nationally-recognized George Lopez in such a highly publicized event!
Thirty-year old Emily Harrison, "Hope," lives in the Desert and has actually acted in two short films at the International Palm Springs Festival's short offering in the summer. She was seen in a major commercial film, Valley of the Heart's Delight, playing against Bruce McGill. She has been a local model and is a part of a new film
venture with Minnie Driver. Interestingly, she is also developing a short comedy about her adventures in the Palm Springs fashion scene. Emily is really a Palm Springs girl and not a newcomer to show business. But working with George is not going to hurt her career. .
Colie Cullen, "Chrysler," is only twenty but has been a bonified desert resident for nine years. She is a graduate of both Palm Desert Middle and Palm Desert High School. In high school, she was known as a leader, taking part in a special "Youth and Government Program." Now, she attends College of the Desert, majoring in marketing and communications. Marketing and Communication are certainly, in part, essential components of the recipe that have made Bob Hope's Chrysler Classic so famous.
They are joined by Kelsey Peterson, "Classic." Like Colie, Kelsey is also twenty and from Huntington Beach, a current student at CSULB, where she studies both art and business. She works also at a small cupcake baking business. She is the daughter of a former 1969 Classic Girl.
Jan. 17-20 _ Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, The Classic Club, La Quinta Country Club, PGA West-Palmer Private, and the latest edition, SilverRock Resort in La Quinta. For tickets click here.
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