PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — The second annual Patriot Golf Day, a nationwide campaign to support the families of those military veterans who have been disabled or lost their lives in the line of duty, has officially tallied the fundraiser
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — The second annual Patriot Golf Day, a nationwide campaign to support the families of those military veterans who have been disabled or lost their lives in the line of duty, has officially tallied the fundraiser announcing yesterday that the events produced donations to date of more than $1.7 million.
The campaign, which benefits the Folds of Honor Foundation, is jointly supported by The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association. Patriot Golf Day was conducted over the Labor Day weekend, Aug. 29 through Sept. 1, and received support from 3,800 golf facilities. Some extended the date to the end of September.
Patriot Golf Day was originated by Major Dan Rooney, an F-16 pilot, PGA Professional and USGA member from Broken Arrow, Okla., who this month returned from his third tour of duty in Iraq. The 2007 inaugural fundraising campaign produced funds of more than $1.1 million.
Rooney, who will receive the first PGA Patriot Award on Nov. 8 at The PGA of America’s 92nd Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Ariz., served as an F-16 pilot in the 125th Fighter Squadron of the Oklahoma Air National Guard.
“Once again, America has come together for Patriot Golf Day, a campaign that is a perfect match for those who love both our country and the game of golf,” PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb said in a release. “Both PGA professionals and amateur golfers responded with both innovative and inspiring fundraising efforts.”
A Professionals throughout the country engaged their communities and respective club members to participate in innovative programs during Patriot Golf Day. Leading the fundraising for facilities was The Old North State Club of New London, N.C., which received $42,000 through donations, and a club tournament conducted Oct. 10, which featured the raffle of a donated four-bedroom condominium.
Old North State Club PGA director of golf Tom Ducey said the enthusiastic response was due to the efforts of amateur golf and eight-year club member, Johnny Hall, a co-owner/president of two local lumber companies.
“I am not looking for any praise,” said Hall. “This is a tremendous fundraiser that all of us should embrace. People came together to make this a success and we look forward to next year’s Patriot Golf Day.”
In late 2007, Rooney developed the Folds of Honor Foundation to serve as a legacy foundation designed to provide scholarships for dependents and spouses of service members that have been killed or disabled as a result of their military service. While other fundraising is carried out by the Folds of Honor Foundation, Patriot Golf Day remains its primary fundraiser.
Donations to this year’s Patriot Golf Day included $130,000 from Captain Paul Azinger and the 12 members of the victorious U.S. Ryder Cup Team.
Locally, the Kaua‘i Lagoons Golf Club raised the most out of any single club coming from the Aloha Section PGA with $1,300.
Patriot Golf Day is jointly supported by The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association. During Patriot Golf Day, golfers added an extra dollar to their greens fee, and private facilities asked for donations or held tournaments.
This past spring, the Folds of Honor Foundation awarded nearly 200 scholarships to aid students, most of them beginning classes in the fall semester. Participating facilities for Patriot Golf Day are listed on www.PlayGolfAmerica.com. Individuals interested in contributing to the Folds of Honor Foundation, and those applying for scholarships should visit www.foldsofhonor.org
