Folds of Honor celebrates the largest total donation amount raised in Patriot Golf Day history
On January 25, 2018, during the 2018 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Folds of Honor announced its fundraising total, $7,020,000, from the 2017 Patriot Golf Day, a nationwide initiative to raise awareness and scholarship funds for children and spouses of fallen or disabled veterans. Patriot Golf Day efforts throughout 2017 raised more money for Folds of Honor scholarships than any previous year since its inception in 2007. The event continually stands as the primary source of revenue for Folds of Honor, raising $47 million for the organization since 2007.
The Patriot Golf Day campaign was led by Jack Nicklaus, who served as honorary Chair of the event. The fundraiser is jointly supported by the PGA of America and the United States Golf Association (USGA). Over the last 10 years, golfers nationwide have been instrumental in raising donations through Patriot Golf Day events, resulting in more than 16,000 scholarships to benefit Folds of Honor-in all 50 states and 41 PGA Sections.
“We are so impressed by the outpouring of support the golf community has consistently shown for Folds of Honor over the last 10 years, and especially in 2017,” said Major Dan Rooney, PGA, the CEO and founder of Folds of Honor and PGA Professional. “Thousands of lives are changed every year as a result of this effort, and Patriot Golf Day serves as a testament to how much of an impact a community can have on others, when we come together for a great cause. I am very proud to stand with my fellow PGA Professionals and continue our mission to educate the legacy of our veterans.”
Patriot Golf Day began in 2007 as a fundraising initiative over Labor Day weekend. Golfers are asked to add an extra dollar to their green fees to fund Folds of Honor. However, Patriot Golf Day is not limited to Labor Day Weekend. Private clubs, daily-fee courses, individual golfers and PGA Professionals are all encouraged to host Patriot Golf Day events throughout the year, at a time that is convenient for the club and stimulates the highest participation.
“I never had the privilege to serve our great nation, but I am passionate and committed to any initiative that allows us to recognize, assist and support the men and women of our military, who have sacrificed so much for our freedom,” said Jack Nicklaus, Honorary Chair of Patriot Golf Day. “When we can use the game of golf as the vehicle to give back, it becomes even more meaningful to me. That’s why I feel blessed to be involved with projects like American Lake Veterans Golf Course, or partnering with great organizations like Folds of Honor and the PGA of America, with its PGA HOPE [Helping Our Patriots Everywhere] program.”
Golf properties across the country can get involved in Patriot Golf Day by registering at foldsofhonor.org/get-involved. Non-golfers can also participate by donating to the mission at FoldsofHonor.org.
About Folds of Honor
Folds of Honor is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to families of military men and women who have fallen or been disabled while on active duty in the United States Armed Forces. Our educational scholarships support private education tuition and tutoring for children in grades K-12, as well as higher education tuition assistance for spouses and dependents. Founded in 2007 by Major Dan Rooney, a PGA member and F-16 fighter pilot currently stationed at Tyndall AFB Florida as a member of 301st Fighter Squadron who served three tours of duty in Iraq, Folds of Honor is proud to have awarded more than 16,000 scholarships in all 50 states, as well as Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, including more than 3,500 in 2016 alone. For more information or to donate in support of a Folds of Honor scholarship, visit foldsofhonor.org.
