PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (Oct. 20, 2020) – In honor of our nation’s Veterans, PGA Foundation Inc. d/b/a/ PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, has announced that Sun., Nov. 11—Veterans Day— will serve as the 4th Annual PGA National Day of HOPE.
The nationwide celebration has two goals: Commemorate our nation’s heroes who protect our freedom; and raise awareness and support for PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the flagship military program for PGA REACH.
In support of this year’s PGA National Day of HOPE activities, PGA REACH has launched a campaign through the GoFundMe Charity platform, where individuals and organizations can contribute to meaningful fundraising events in support of Veterans and PGA HOPE programming, from Oct. 1–Nov. 11.
“We’re excited to elevate our fundraising platform, as we honor and celebrate Veterans for the upcoming 4th Annual PGA National Day of HOPE,” said PGA REACH Senior Director Ryan Cannon. “This is a special opportunity to give back through the game of golf, as we thank our heroes for their dedicated service to America.”
PGA HOPE introduces the game of golf to Veterans with disabilities through a developmental six-to-eight week curriculum, taught by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency. All programs are funded by PGA REACH and supplemented by the foundations of PGA Sections across America, so the cost of programming is free to all Veterans.
Through the GoFundMe Charity platform, donors can support PGA HOPE on a local level or nationally. To learn more about the special events and to contribute, visit the PGA National Day of HOPE 2020 GoFundMe Charity campaign page.
Currently, there are 132 active PGA HOPE program locations nationwide, positively impacting more than 2,500 military Veterans each year. More than 350 PGA Members have been trained to specifically train Veterans.
The HOPE program is also championed by 20 PGA HOPE Veteran Ambassadors who have graduated from local PGA HOPE programs and participated in the four-day advanced golf instruction and wellness training program at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., as part of the 2019 PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week.
Among the 2020 campaign highlights:
- With the 2020 TCS New York City Marathon cancelled, past runners and the 2020 team are invited to participate in the fundraising campaign. Participants will be running 10 miles on Nov. 11, in support of PGA HOPE.
- Randy Shack, who served as an U.S. Army Corporal and is the Northern Texas PGA HOPE Veteran Ambassador, will also host his own fundraiser in conjunction with PGA National Day of HOPE. Shack’s inspiring story of using PGA HOPE for rehabilitation was featured earlier this year in a CBS Sports special, “PGA HOPE: Helping Our Patriots Everywhere.” Shack was honored with the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Campaign Star AR, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
- The following 13 PGA Sections will host fundraising campaigns in conjunction with PGA National Day of HOPE: Carolinas, Gateway; Metropolitan; Middle Atlantic; Midwest; Nebraska; New Jersey; Northern California; Philadelphia; South Florida; Southern Ohio; Tri State; and Western New York.
To make a donation to the PGA National Day of HOPE GoFundMe Charity campaign, click here.
For more information on PGA HOPE, visit PGAREACH.org.