GREENSBORO, N.C. – “Birdies Fore Backpacks,” the program launched in 2014 to fight childhood food insecurity in the Piedmont Triad and perhaps the most important charitable initiative in tournament history, returns for a second run as the Wyndham Championship’s official charity this year, the tournament announced today. The 76th annual Wyndham Championship is set for Aug. 17-23, 2015 at Sedgefield Country Club.
During its inaugural run last year, Birdies Fore Backpacks raised nearly $200,000 to help feed hungry children in the Piedmont Triad region. In 2015, the program returns with a $100,000 seed donation from Wishes by Wyndham, the philanthropic foundation of Wyndham Worldwide and the Wyndham Championship’s official charity partner.
New this year, effective immediately, when patrons purchase tickets at WyndhamChampionship.com, they will have the option of adding a Birdies Fore Backpacks donation to each ticket order. In addition, every point of sale at the Wyndham Championship during tournament week will offer fans an opportunity to add a donation to Birdies Fore Backpacks to their total purchase. This opportunity will be available at almost every concession stand including the BB&T Fan Pavilion, Margaritaville at the Wyndham, both Tito’s Vodka Lounges, both merchandise locations and anywhere else on course where monetary transactions are made.
As part of the “Birdies Fore Backpacks” program, individuals and corporations can make one-time donations or pledges of a certain amount for every birdie made by PGA TOUR professionals during official tournament play at next month’s 76th annual Wyndham Championship. Funds from the program will support 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable organizations throughout the Piedmont Triad that provide backpacks of food for children in need.
On average, PGA TOUR professionals make approximately 1,600 birdies during the Wyndham each year. If that number holds true in 2015, a person who pledges one dime per birdie would donate $160 to “Birdies Fore Backpacks.” Individuals will be encouraged to pledge between one and 10 cents per birdie. Corporations will be encouraged to pledge at least 50 cents or $1 for each birdie for total donations of $800 or $1,600, respectively.
“Food insecurity remains a major problem in our region of North Carolina,” tournament director Mark Brazil said. “Without proper nutrition, kids struggle to get the education and basic foundation they need to succeed later in life. The number of children in this situation is truly staggering, but all of us can help. By giving our sponsors, fans and volunteers an opportunity to participate in “Birdies Fore Backpacks,” whether it’s a one-time donation, a pledge per birdie made during the tournament or simply adding a dollar to a concessions, ticket or merchandise purchase, we are continuing to make a concerted effort to fight food insecurity, and we thank our partners at the Wishes by Wyndham Foundation for their generous $100,000 donation in support of this vital program.”
To take part in “Birdies Fore Backpacks”, fans can visit wyndhamchampionship.com/charities/birdies-fore-backpacks. Simply click on “Make a Donation” at the bottom of the page and follow the instructions. One-time donations can be made immediately, but for those who wish to donate a set amount per birdie made by PGA TOUR professionals during the Wyndham, the donation will be processed after the tournament.
Many children from low-income households receive the majority of their meals while in school during the week. The organizations receiving support from “Birdies Fore Backpacks” provide nutritionally-sound meals for the children to take home over the weekend. Donations totaling $10,000 feed 50 children for an entire school year.
The Piedmont Triad is the No. 1 market in the United States in which people struggle to get food, according to a 2015 Gallup poll. Now more than ever, the Piedmont Triad needs “Birdies Fore Backpacks.” Research shows that children who are not well nourished cannot concentrate effectively and do not function well in school.
About the Wyndham Championship:
Contested annually on the Donald Ross-designed course at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, N.C., the Wyndham Championship was founded in 1938 and is the sixth-oldest event on the PGA TOUR excluding the Majors. Tickets are available at wyndhamchampionship.com or through the tournament office. The tournament thanks title sponsor Wyndham Worldwide, presenting sponsor BB&T and Premier Partners, Cadillac, DeJoy/Wos Family Foundation, Harris Teeter, Lincoln Financial, McConnell Golf, Sunbrella®, Technology Concepts & Design, Inc. and VF Corporation for their continued support. Additional tournament information, including ticket packages and sponsorship information, is available at wyndhamchampionship.com or through the tournament office at (336) 379-1570. For more information about Wyndham Worldwide, please visit www.wyndhamworldwide.com. Stay connected with the Wyndham Championship through its social media channels, including the Wyndham Championship Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram, Foursquare, Flickr and YouTube.
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