By Liz King
AMESBURY — "Burn Notice" star, Amesbury High School alum, black belt and jack-of-all-trades Jeffrey Donovan revealed another talent when he and actor Andy Garcia won Wednesday's celebrity challenge portion of the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am golf tourney.
Donovan's 13-foot birdie putt won the first hole, which had a purse of $3,000, and the pair dominated the rest of the course. Donovan donated his share of the $22,000 winner's share to the Amesbury Educational Foundation Inc.
"He's actually a very good golfer," AEFI President Joan Miller said. "Since he's been an actor, he participates in charitable golf tournaments occasionally."
Other celebrity teams in the Pro-Am included sportscaster Chris Berman and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, actor Don Cheadle and saxophonist Kenny G, actors Josh Duhamel and Oliver Hudson, actor/comedian George Lopez and professional surfer Kelly Slater, and comedian Jackie Flynn and musician Huey Lewis.
Last year, Donovan donated $100,000 to AEFI to create a scholarship in his name. The scholarship gives one $10,000 scholarship each year to an Amesbury High School junior or senior entering the fine arts. Senior Megan Little was the inaugural recipient of the scholarship, and the process is beginning for students to apply for this year's scholarship.
AEFI administers and manages the scholarship, which is based 70 percent on need and 30 percent on talent and desire. After AEFI narrows down the finalists, three students' audition tapes and portfolios are sent to the Hollywood actor for the final decision.
During his days at Amesbury High, Donovan was active in the Drama Club. Miller said a summer acting program at Bradford College is what solidified Donovan's love of acting, and is the reason the star chose to allow the scholarship to be used for classes, coaching or any other arts-related activity.
"He worked really hard to get where he is from quite humble beginnings," Miller said.
Donovan was most recently seen in "The Changeling" opposite Angelina Jolie and directed by Clint Eastwood. Additional film credits include "Blair Witch 2: Book of Shadows," "Come Early Morning," "Believe in Me" and "Hitch." He is currently starring as Michael Westen in USA Network's original series "Burn Notice," and has had appearances on "Crossing Jordan," "Spin City," "Monk," "CSI: Miami" and "Law & Order."
The Hollywood actor, a member of the AHS Class of 1986, was inducted into AEFI's hall of honor last May.
"We are so honored that he continues to trust money to our organization to help kids in public schools in Amesbury," Miller said.
