Eds: APNewsNow.

STATELINE, Nev. (AP) NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley is making another big contribution to help the victims of a wildfire that destroyed more than 250 homes at Lake Tahoe two years ago.

Barkley donated $100,000 a year ago to South Tahoe's Community Disaster Resource Center to benefit victims of the 2007 Angora Fire.

Center chairman Dick Schwarte says they received another check for $90,000 last week on the eve of the 20th annual American Century Celebrity Golf Championship.

Barkley is a fan favorite at the tourney that begins next Friday at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course. He toured the disaster area shortly after the fire and hosted a dinner for 100 firefighters.

South Lake Tahoe Mayor Jerry Birdwell called Barkley a true friend who has become a part of the community.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 07-08-09 1026CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list