Jeffrey Osbourne Celebrity Classic tees off

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (WPRI) -- Celebrities and golf lovers will tee off at Carnegie Abbey in Portsmouth Tuesday, and it's all for a great cause.

The first Jeffrey Osbourne Celebrity Classic features many well-known names, such as Magic Johson, Pat Riley, and Smokey Robinson, and it benefits non-profit organizations that support a continued push for music and the arts.

One of the charities is The Boys & Girls Club of Providence, an organization that Magic Johnson was a part of growing up. The former NBA star was there Monday night to speak in front of the children that are now involved there.

"I was once one of them, I grew up the same way," he said. "I grew up poor in the inner city, but I worked my butt off to get to where I am today, and that's what I told them. Work ethic is the key, getting your education is the key, and having a big smile on your face, being happy every single day."

• Photos: Stars turn out for Jeffrey Osborne Celebrity Classic

Osbourne, who's originally from Providence, is extremely excited to be holding the event here in his home state.

"It was great to get some people into Rhode Island, some celebrities there, so the people where I grew up could see some celebrities," he added. "Today is going to be incredible, we're ready to kick off this tournament."

Famed broadcaster and former Major Leaguer Joe Morgan traveled to the Ocean State for the first time to participate in the classic.

"One of the things I've always found is that it's not just enough to give money to a cause, you have to show the people, the young people, that you care," said Morgan. "Money will take you so far, but if they don't feel the love that you have for them, then they're not going to continue, and Jeffrey obviously shows the love, and that's why I'm here."

For more information about the Jeffrey Osbourne Celebrity Classic, click here to head to the event page.