$8.1 million
THE PLAYERS donates record amount to community
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – At a celebration in November 2015 honoring Northeast Florida charities supported by THE PLAYERS Championship, PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem announced that the 2015 tournament generated $8.1 million for local charities, surpassing last year’s record total of $7.5 million.
The money generated by THE PLAYERS each year benefits more than 300 charities throughout Northeast Florida, totaling more than $75 million in charitable giving since the event moved to Ponte Vedra Beach in 1977. The substantial increases over the past few years are attributed to a growing, dedicated fan base; support from the event’s Proud Partners – PwC and Optum; and the tireless and selfless efforts of the tournament’s volunteer force.
The announcement was made during THE PLAYERS Charity Celebration hosted by Commissioner Finchem under the lights at the 17th hole at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, with the $8.1 million grand total displayed on a tournament scoreboard behind the green. The event is part of a series of activities during THE PLAYERS 2015 Giving Back Month designed to highlight the work of the many charitable organizations in Northeast Florida that benefit from the tournament. Guests enjoyed food and drinks as they celebrated the myriad ways the community helps THE PLAYERS to make an impact on Northeast Florida charities.
"Each year, the charitable dollars generated at THE PLAYERS continues to grow," said Finchem. "Generating $8.1 million for local charities in a single year is an impressive accomplishment that couldn’t be possible without the hard work from our staff and volunteers, the support of PwC and Optum, and the Northeast Florida community."
I know I speak for the 2,200-plus volunteers when I say that watching '$8.1 million' flash on that screen validates why we put in countless hours making this tournament something Northeast Florida is proud of.
Brian Franco | 2015 tournament chairman
Much of the $8.1 million generated from THE PLAYERS 2015 benefits local children’s charities, in line with the event’s committed goal to generate $50 million for youth-related charities over 10 years. The event is dedicated to making a significant financial impact on local non-profits that promote youth education, health and wellness, and character development. To date, more than $30 million has been raised toward that goal.
“The 2015 tournament set an attendance record, had the most exciting finish in tournament history and has now broken its own charitable giving record,” said Brian Franco, 2015 tournament chairman. “To say I am proud to have been the 2015 tournament chairman is an understatement. I know I speak for the 2,200-plus volunteers when I say that watching '$8.1 million' flash on that screen validates why we put in countless hours making this tournament something Northeast Florida is proud of.”