2014 marked the 25th year for the Price Cutter Charity Championship in Springfield. This week, the golf tournament announced it had exceeded its goal of $1 million to benefit local charities. KSMU’s Simone Cook reports on who the money will impact.
Danielle Wise is the director of development for The Arc of the Ozarks, which is one of 46 organizations involved in this year’s event.
“We weren’t sure if we were going to reach that goal based on the weather and other things during the tournament, and attendance was down at some of the events this year, but it seemed to pull through and everybody gathered together and we surpassed the goal, so it was exciting,” said Wise.
For more than two decades, the tournament has served as a leg of the development tour for the Professional Golfers Association. The event also generates funds for local charities. With this year’s record $1 million, the event has benefited area organizations to the tune of nearly $12 million to date.
“The golf tournament has always been a really big event, and it was their 25th year. So I think the community knowing that we have reached over a million dollars will only make the event bigger next year,” Wise added.
All of the organizations who benefit from the tournament are involved with improving the well-being of both children and families in the Ozarks.
The Boys and Girls Club in Springfield has been a part of the charity golf tournament for 22 years. Randy Carpenter is director of operations.
“The money goes into our general fund that helps support our kids. Whether it be in scholarships to come to the club or buying supplies for our different areas, such as our games room or our gymnasium, gym equipment, art and crafts supplies, and even some technology,” said Carpenter.
Over $880,000 was donated through the golf tournament and an additional $115,000 was put into an account for the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, which will distribute numerous grants next year.