SCPGA Proud to Support PGA National Day of HOPE
Southern California PGA Kicks Off PGA National Day of HOPE Campaign in Support of Veterans and Active-Duty PersonnelONTARIO, CA & FRISCO, TX (Oct. 11, 2023) – The Southern California PGA Foundation has announced the official start of the PGA National Day of HOPE Campaign benefiting PGA HOPE (Helping our Patriots Everywhere) programs across Southern California. In its seventh year, the PGA National Day of HOPE spans for over a month, running now through Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11) and culminating on November 30. This annual campaign celebrates our nation’s heroes who protect our freedom, while raising awareness and support for PGA HOPE.
PGA HOPE is designed to introduce golf to Veterans and Active-Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. PGA REACH and PGA HOPE aspire to create a physically and emotionally healthier Veteran community through a six- to eight-week curriculum led by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency.
The PGA National Day of HOPE campaign launches in conjunction with the 2023 PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week, which is held from Oct. 10-17. Through a longstanding partnership between PGA REACH and Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, 20 Veterans, all graduates of local PGA HOPE programs, will participate in an immersive, four-day event that includes advanced golf instruction and wellness training.
The SCPGA is proud to have PGA HOPE Graduate and Navy Veteran James Davenport represent the Southern California PGA at the 2023 National Golf & Wellness Week.
“James has already been instrumental as an ambassador for our program. He has attended several Section meetings, has facilitated post-graduation activities, and has been a great liaison for the local military community,” says Amberlynn Dorsey, PGA, SCPGA PGA HOPE Lead.
Once again, PGA of America Chief Membership Officer John Easterbrook Jr., PGA is serving as Co-Campaign Chair alongside PGA REACH National Trustee Bret Baier for the 2023 PGA National Day of HOPE campaign.
“At the core of PGA HOPE is the Veteran; golf just happens to be a great vehicle to help the Veteran along his or her journey,” says Easterbrook. “I’m so proud of our PGA Professionals across the country who have stepped up to lead a PGA HOPE program in their community. We are encouraging all supporters of the Veteran community to give with a purpose this Veterans Day.”
In addition to corporate support, other PGA Sections representing other regions and local PGA HOPE programs will offer online fundraising. In 2023, PGA National Day of HOPE is expected to raise over $400,000 for local PGA HOPE programs in all participating Sections. Serving over 11,000 Veterans in 2023 and 30,000 annually by 2026, PGA HOPE is uniquely positioned to make a positive impact in Veteran communities across the U.S.
The Southern California PGA HOPE program has had an impactful year, projected to serve nearly 500 Veterans this year alone. Programming has been expanded into all five Chapters: Inland Empire, Desert, Metro, Northern, and San Diego. To date, 143 Professionals are trained within the Section. The SCPGA has hundreds of interested participants on their waiting list who are excitedly waiting to have a chance to be part of this wonderful program.
“The Southern California PGA HOPE Program has grown exponentially in the past year with tremendous support and commitment from Southern California PGA Professionals. We have come so far, but we still have many more to serve and introduce to the SCPGA PGA HOPE Family,” Nikki Gatch, PGA, SCPGA CEO/Executive Director.
To learn more about the Southern California PGA Foundation and how you can support the 2023 PGA National Day of HOPE Campaign, please visit our Official Fundraising Page.
ABOUT PGA HOPE
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. PGA HOPE introduces golf to Veterans and Active-Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. The program introduces the game of golf through a developmental 6- to 8-week curriculum taught by PGA Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military cultural competency.
ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA FOUNDATION
The Southern California PGA Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization and operates as a public foundation. The Foundation is involved in and supports the growth of the game of golf through initiatives such as ClubsForeYouth®, Neighborhood Golf, PGA Junior League Golf, SCPGA/TGA Golf Enrichment, Drive, Chip & Putt, Special Olympics, SCGA Junior, CIF, PGA HOPE and California Alliance for Golf, to name a few.
ABOUT PGA REACH
PGA REACH is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The mission of PGA REACH is to positively impact the lives of youth, military, and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA Professionals, PGA Sections, and the game of golf. For more information on PGA REACH, visit PGAREACH.org, follow @PGAREACH on Twitter, and find us on Facebook.
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Program Contact
Amberlynn Dorsey, PGA, Partner and Section Relations Manager (adorsey@pgahq.com)