Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. – PGA Professionals and golf facilities around the country helped raise a record-setting $4.3 million for Folds of Honor Foundation through Patriot Golf Day events in 2012, bringing the six-year total to more than $17 million for educational scholarships for the families of service members wounded or killed while serving this great nation. Patriot Golf Day is jointly supported by The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association (USGA).
More than 4,500 facilities registered to host 2012 Patriot Golf Day events throughout the year with the majority taking placing over Labor Day weekend. Patriot Golf Day will once again be recognized August 30 through Sept. 2 in 2013.
“Golfers around the country continue to step up to support these families who have given so much by participating in Patriot Golf Day events,” said PGA of America President Ted Bishop. “We are proud that PGA Professionals, The PGA of America and the USGA can play such an integral role in helping fill the gap in much-needed educational assistance.”
Patriot Golf Day, the primary fundraiser for the Folds of Honor Foundation, seeks to honor the sacrifice of American heroes as an annual event to raise money for educational scholarships for children and spouses of military service men and women killed or disabled while serving our great nation. Golfers are asked to donate at least $1 for each round of golf during Patriot Golf Day weekend, while non-golfers participate by making a donation to the foundation at its website at FoldsofHonor.org. Major Dan Rooney, a PGA Professional, USGA Member and former F-16 military pilot who served three tours of duty in Iraq, conceived and developed Patriot Golf Day in 2007.
“Patriot Golf Day was created to honor those who have made a significant sacrifice in the name of freedom and to ensure their legacy through education,” Rooney said. “The success we have enjoyed thus far is a tribute to the PGA Professionals who have worked so hard to share the message and to a nationwide community of golfers who recognize the importance of our mission. We ask that for one day or weekend they give on behalf of those who put it all on the line every single day. We’re off to a great start but there is still work to do.”
As of January 2012, more than one million dependents have been affected by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Of these, 85 percent do not qualify for federal scholarship assistance. Individuals interested in contributing to the Folds of Honor, and those applying for scholarships should go to FoldsofHonor.org. To date, Folds of Honor has awarded more than 3,800 educational scholarships to the families of fallen or wounded soldiers.
Mission partners of Patriot Golf Day include Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser, Titleist, Pinnacle, AHEAD Inc., Bushnell, Golf Channel, POLO GOLF, Golf Pride, QuikTrip, The Christie Cookie Company and St. Andrews Products. To find out more information about these products and their support of Patriot Golf Day, visit FoldsofHonor.org.
About The PGA of America
Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, The PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry. By creating and delivering world-class championships and innovative programs,
The PGA of America elevates the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. As The PGA nears its centennial, the PGA brand represents the very best in golf.
About the Folds of Honor Foundation
Major Dan Rooney, a PGA Professional, USGA member and former F-16 military pilot with the Oklahoma Air National Guard, founded the Folds of Honor Foundation in 2007 following his second of three tours of duty in Iraq. While a passenger on a commercial flight, Major Rooney witnessed an event that would profoundly change his life. As the plane landed, the pilot announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, we have an American hero on board – Corporal Brock Bucklin - and his twin brother, Corporal Brad Bucklin, is accompanying him home from Iraq. As a sign of respect, please remain seated while Corporal Bucklin’s family receives him in his final homecoming.” Major Rooney watched through the window of the plane as the flag-draped casket was lowered. He saw a family waiting for Brock, and a little four-year old boy waiting for his father. This tragic homecoming inspired Major Rooney to create the Folds of Honor Foundation. (FoldsofHonor.org)