Principal Charity Classic Launches 2019 Volunteer Registration.

Invest in the future of Iowa kids by volunteering at the Principal Charity Classic!

Volunteer registration for the 2019 Principal Charity Classic®, presented by Wells Fargo, is now open at principalcharityclassic.com. Since 2007, the Principal Charity Classic has raised more than $17.7 million to help Iowa kids succeed – including a record $4,356,321 in 2018.

The award-winning PGA TOUR Champions event returns May 28-June 2 to historic Wakonda Club in Des Moines.

“More than 1,200 volunteers help bring the Principal Charity Classic to life ever year,” said Jenny Fields, Tournament Manager for the Principal Charity Classic. “They are truly the heart and hands of the tournament – we couldn’t do it without them.”

Volunteer opportunities

Golf knowledge isn’t required to volunteer; in fact, the tournament has a variety of opportunities for golfers and non-golfers alike.

Volunteer assignments range from on-course marshals, standard bearers and TV spotters to merchandise volunteers, shuttle drivers, Pro-Am operations and more. A full list of committees can be viewed at principalcharityclassic.com.

Committees are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, with placements announced in April.

How to register

Returning and new volunteers must complete online registration at principalcharityclassic.com. Volunteers are required to work a minimum of two (2) shifts, which range from 4-6 hours each, and to make an $89 donation in support of Iowa children’s charities when registering.

All 2019 volunteers will receive the following package, valued at approximately $400, in exchange for their generous donation to support the tournament’s charitable mission:

  • Free admission for tournament week
  • Five (5) gallery tournament tickets to share with friends and family
  • Meals on days of service
  • An invitation to the annual Volunteer Appreciation Party
  • The official volunteer uniform – two golf polos and a hat or visor shipped directly to your home
  • A one-time 25% off merchandise discount
  • A preferred parking pass for tournament week

There are also a limited number of junior volunteer opportunities available for individuals age 13-17 during tournament week. Juniors interested in volunteering should use the code JUNIOR when registering online.

Volunteer incentives

The Principal Charity Classic offers a variety of unique registration incentives for volunteers, including:

  • Register by Feb. 4 to be entered to win an inside-the-ropes Honorary Observer experience.
  • Register by March 4 to be entered to win an invitation to the 2019 Tee Off Party at Wells Fargo Arena.
  • Register by April 1 to be entered to win merchandise prize package.

To learn more about these incentives, visit principalcharityclassic.com/volunteer.

Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa Named PGA TOUR Champions Charity of the Year.

PGA TOUR Champions announced that its 2018 Charity of the Year is Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa, an official tournament charity partner of the Principal Charity Classic®, presented by Wells Fargo.

The Principal Charity Classic, the annual PGA TOUR Champions event in Des Moines, has raised more than $17.7 million to help Iowa kids succeed since 2007. Last year, the tournament touched the lives of more than 130,000 children statewide.

“Variety is proud to be one of the Principal Charity Classic’s tournament charity partners,” said Sheri McMichael, Executive Director of Variety. “And to be recognized by the PGA TOUR Champions for that partnership and our efforts to provide inclusive play to all Iowa children is a great honor.”

The national Charity of the Year honor celebrates Variety’s commitment to improving the lives of Iowa kids. As Charity of the Year, Variety will receive a $30,000 donation from PGA TOUR Champions. The donation will be used to help fund the construction of the inclusive Variety Star Playground at Riverview Park, which will be Des Moines’ second park with adaptive equipment for children with special needs.

Variety advocates for and improves the lives of children throughout Iowa who are at-risk, underprivileged, critically ill and/or growing up with special needs. One of Variety’s signature programs is “Bikes for Kids,” which provides bikes, helmets and locks to kids, as well as adaptive bikes for children with special needs. Charitable dollars raised by the Principal Charity Classic have helped fund the donation of more than 100 adaptive bikes.

“The Principal Charity Classic makes a tremendous impact on kids across the state of Iowa, and we’re proud to honor Variety as the PGA TOUR Champions Charity of the Year,” said Miller Brady, President of PGA TOUR Champions. “Variety is one of the many great charities impacted by the Principal Charity Classic, and so many lives have been shaped because of the tournament’s dedication to charitable giving.”

The 2019 Principal Charity Classic will take place May 28 – June 2 at historic Wakonda Club in Des Moines. Tickets are available now at principalcharityclassic.com/tickets.

Principal Charity Classic sets new charitable giving record.

Champion giving for champion kids.

The Principal Charity Classic®, presented by Wells Fargo, announced its 2018 tournament raised $4,356,321 in support of Iowa kids, besting the event’s previous record of nearly $3.6 million set just one year ago.

The annual PGA TOUR Champions event in Des Moines has now donated more than $17.7 million since 2007.

“The Principal Charity Classic is invested in the future of Iowa kids, and the tournament’s remarkable impact is truly a shared success story,” said Dan Houston, chairman, president and CEO of Principal. “This year marks the first time the Principal Charity Classic has exceeded $4 million in charitable funds raised – and together, we’re not stopping there.

“With the outstanding support of the community and our many committed partners, we’re looking forward to the Principal Charity Classic giving back in a big way for years to come.”

In 2018, a record 378 companies – from small business owners to international corporations – sponsored the Principal Charity Classic. Principal has served as the event’s title sponsor since 2007, along with Wells Fargo as presenting sponsor.

Helping Iowa kids succeed.

The Principal Charity Classic impacted the lives of more than 130,000 kids statewide last year. And that reach continues to grow.

More than 100 non-profit organizations and K-12 schools throughout Iowa are enrolled in the tournament’s year-round Birdies For Charity program. Participants earn a 10% match on their fundraising efforts thanks to the generous support of Sammons Financial Group, Wells Fargo and the organizers of Party on the Hill, a private, tournament-week event that raised $120,000 in 2018.

Additionally, tournament proceeds provide support to six Tournament Charity Partners in the Des Moines area: Blank Children’s Hospital, Bravo Greater Des Moines, the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Mercy Medical Center, the United Way of Central Iowa and Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa.

Celebrating Kids Can Champions.

In 2018, Principal introduced a new tournament program called Kids Can Champions to recognize local children who have overcome challenges and made amazing progress in their lives (watch video here).

Tournament Charity Partners were asked to nominate deserving children, ages 5-17, meeting the following criteria: 1) the child faced and overcame a significant challenge; 2) received support from multiple non-profits that benefit from Principal Charity Classic funds; and 3) would serve as an inspirational role model for other kids.

From the nominations received, four local children were selected as the 2018 Kids Can Champions. Each child received a special reward based on their individual passions and goals for the future, ranging from a trip to Wrigley Field to cheer on the Chicago Cubs to a new computer to assist with school work and college applications.

To learn more about the Principal Charity Classic or to make an online donation in support of the tournament’s year-round charitable giving efforts, visit principalcharityclassic.com.

Principal Charity Classic announces 2019 tournament dates.

Save the date!

The Principal Charity Classic®, presented by Wells Fargo, the annual and award-winning PGA TOUR Champions event in Des Moines, is moving up one week on the calendar in 2019.

The tournament dates for next year are May 28-June 2, 2019.

The 2019 Principal Charity Classic will immediately follow the 2019 KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, set for May 21-26 at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, N.Y., on next year’s PGA TOUR Champions schedule.

Last year, Principal extended its Principal Charity Classic title sponsorship through 2023. Principal has served as title sponsor since 2007, along with Wells Fargo as presenting sponsor. The extension announcement included the tournament’s host venue, with Wakonda Club set to host the Principal Charity Classic through 2023.

The tournament has donated more than $13 million – and counting – for Iowa children’s charities since it began. In 2017, the Principal Charity Classic donated a record $3,581,427 and touched the lives of more than 130,000 Iowa kids.

The Principal Charity Classic will announce the total charitable dollars raised by its 2018 tournament later this summer.

Ticket sales for the 2019 tournament will open later this year as well.

For more information, visit principalcharityclassic.com.

 

5 Questions with…Alfonso Ribeiro

Actor and comedian Alfonso Ribeiro played in the Prairie Meadows Pro-Am during the 2018 Principal Charity Classic.

An avid golfer, he was playing for the first time in three weeks after traveling to Italy for a vacation with his wife (and Iowa native), Angela.

Ribeiro is best known for his role as Carlton Banks on the hit TV show “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” He also won season 19 of “Dancing with the Stars” and hosts “America’s Funniest Home Videos.”

RB: Have you been to Des Moines much?

AR: I’m mostly out of eastern Iowa, but I’ve been to Des Moines. Actually, many, many, many moons ago they used to have a car race here in the city through the streets and I came here for that maybe a couple decades back (the Ruan Greater Des Moines Grand Prix in 1993).

RB: Do you ever get asked where you wife is from and then you day, Swedesburg, Iowa, and they ask where that’s at?

AR: I pretty much never say Swedesburg because 90 percent of Iowans don’t even know where Swedesburg is. I just kind of go north of Mount Pleasant, south of Iowa City. It’s the easy answer, I think, for everybody concerned. Her grandmother started the Swedish American Museum there in Swedesburg, so it’s a really cute little town and it’s always nice to go back. It’s different from growing up in the Bronx, but I enjoy coming back.

RB: How does a guy from the Bronx take up golf, and how long until you took up the sport?

AR: I started playing at 18. Some friends of mine were like, ‘Hey, let’s go to the driving range and hit some golf balls.’ And I was like, ‘What’s that?’ I didn’t even know what golf was at that time. My first swing, I hit it straight over the fence at the driving range, and they couldn’t understand how I was able to do that. I don’t know how I was able to do it, either, but I fell in love and continued to play. Then in my 30s I got serious about it.

RB: You’re a brand ambassador for the PGA TOUR Champions. Why is it appealing to you to be connected with that tour?

AR: I’ll tell you, what I love about the PGA TOUR Champions is the history of the game in these players. The difference between these guys and the guys on the Tour is perspective. Before the Tiger (Woods) era, guys had to do a lot out there and they had to grind to make it to the next week. You had to make the cut. You weren’t automatically in the next week’s field. So these guys have such a great perspective and they have such a great connection with the fans, and that’s something that really rings true for me. I feel like it’s so important when you have the opportunity to really connect with the fans that are out there because that’s what keeps the game going. It’s what keeps your career going.

RB: It looks like you embrace fans on the golf course. Is that something you had to learn?

AR: Years ago, I had a very different perspective dealing with fans and I could never understand it. As I’ve gotten older I’ve gotten a greater perspective of their side and understanding the other side. You know, they might have one opportunity to meet someone that they enjoy watching on TV and why take that moment away from them? Why not give them that moment and allow them to enjoy it for the rest of their life and make a memory? It only takes a couple of seconds out of my time to do that. Why not?

By Rick Brown, Principal Charity Classic Senior Reporter

Spotlight on…Birdies For Charity

Matt Moeckl has been with Wildwood Hills Ranch of Iowa since its inception in 2001.

Located in St. Charles, the ranch welcomes boys and girls ages 8-18. Most arrive from places of abuse and neglect.

Wildwood offers structure and a chance to be successful through a 10-year leadership program.

“We’re helping kids develop spiritually as leaders and with life skills,” said Moeckl, Wildwood’s executive director. “The goal at the end of the 10-year commitment we make with our students is to have a clean hand-off to a two-year school, a four-year school, or directly to a career.”

Moeckl said his organization’s affiliation with the Principal Charity Classic and its Birdies For Charity program has been an incredible gift.

“The funds we raise help us provide scholarships for more kids to come through our life-changing programs,” Moeckl said.

How it works.

Since Principal became title sponsor of the Principal Charity Classic in 2007, the tournament has raised more than $13 million for Iowa children’s charities – including a record $3,581,427 last year.

More than one-third of this total was generated through the tournament’s Birdies For Charity program, which gives Iowa non-profits with programming for children, as well as K-12 schools, a unique and risk-free opportunity to raise additional funds year-round.

Participating organizations and schools ask for donations from their supporters based on the number of birdies made by PGA TOUR Champions players during the Principal Charity Classic – for example, 10 cents per birdie.

Or supporters can make a one-time flat donation of any amount, at any time, throughout the year.

Participating organizations then receive 100% of every donation they collect, PLUS a 10% match thanks to the generous support of Sammons Financial Group and Wells Fargo.

More than 100 non-profits and schools across Iowa currently participate in the program – and that number continues to grow each year.

Funding a second chance.

Anawim Housing has been giving citizens a second chance since 1987. A local leader in affordable housing, its mission is to build homes, hope and community.

“People don’t realize how large we really are,” said Tiffany King, Anawim’s director of advancement. “We own and manage more than 1,100 households in the Des Moines area, so more than 2,000 people call Anawim home.”

And Anawim’s mission is twofold.

“We started, over 30 years ago, providing safe and affordable housing for people who just needed it,” King said. “It’s not subsidized; it’s just a safe and affordable place to live. And then about 20 years ago, we started permanent supportive housing programs.”

Anawim does get funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), but raises additional money because it is required to have a match – which Birdies For Charity helps fulfill.

Kate Rolfes, Anawim’s marketing and communication manager, said 64 percent of Anawim households are single mother-led, and more than 86 percent of Anawim units have at least once child living in them.

With the exception of the HUD-VASH program, which helps homeless veterans and their families sustain permanent housing, 88 percent of permanent supportive housing in Polk County is provided by Anawim Housing.

“These are individuals who are chronically homeless or families who are homeless living in their cars,” King said. “They come out and live at a unit that we lease and sublet to them. And it’s a chance for them to start fresh.

“We connect them to services. And now we have staff that are also case managers and working with these individuals to get back on their feet, reaching goals of self-sufficiency.”

Supporting dreams.

The Dream Team is a five-month program that uses cycling as a vehicle for teenagers to build relationships, achieve personal goals and learn from adult mentors.

“Our primary mission is to help youth in the Des Moines area learn how to achieve goals to better themselves,” said Scott Garner, assistant director of RAGBRAI and a member of the Dream Team’s leadership board.

The program, aimed at boys and girls 13-18 years old, is goal-driven. It starts in February with indoor training at the Wellmark YMCA and ends at the Mississippi River with the completion of RAGBRAI.

In between, participants log 1,000 miles of training. They also receive a bike, jerseys, a water bottle, bike shorts and t-shirts that they get to keep at the completion of the program.

The Dream Team is a grassroots organization, traditionally funded by the cycling community. But being part of Birdies for Charity has expanded the program’s reach.

“Birdies For Charity has opened up and introduced the program to a whole new group of people who aren’t necessarily cyclists but who just want to help youth in the Des Moines area,” Garner said.  “They may not be cyclists or know anything about RAGBRAI, but they enjoy seeing kids have success.”

Creating a ripple effect.

Back at Wildwood Hills Ranch, Moeckl can cite countless examples of success stories.

“There’s one young man who we’ve helped since he was 8 years old,” Moeckl said. “He used to be our best fighter. His mom had 16 brothers and sisters, and they had eight or nine kids apiece, and every male in his family had dropped out of high school by age 17. Many were in prison – until him.

“Now he’s set a new standard as the first kid in his family history to graduate from high school.”

The young man’s two sisters and a brother, as well as cousins, have since graduated from high school.

“If we can impact even one kid, a lot of times there’s a ripple effect,” Moeckl said.

By Rick Brown, Principal Charity Classic Senior Reporter

Calling all volunteers! Join us at the 2018 Principal Charity Classic.

Volunteer registration for the 2018 Principal Charity Classic®, presented by Wells Fargo, is officially open at principalcharityclassic.com. The award-winning PGA TOUR Champions event returns June 5-10 at Wakonda Club in Des Moines.

Since 2007, the Principal Charity Classic has donated approximately $13.5 million to support Iowa kids – including a record $3,581,427 in 2017. That level of giving wouldn’t be possible without the more than 1,200 volunteers who help bring the Principal Charity Classic to life each year.

“There are many different volunteer opportunities at the Principal Charity Classic, with something for everyone,” said Jenny Fields, Volunteer Manager for the Principal Charity Classic. “We also like to reassure people that golf expertise is not required, just helping hands and a big smile. Our goal is for every volunteer to have a fun and memorable experience while giving back to the community.”

Volunteer opportunities

Volunteer assignments range from on-course marshals, standard bearers and TV spotters to merchandise volunteers, shuttle drivers, Pro-Am operations and more. A full list of committees can be viewed at principalcharityclassic.com.

Committees are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, with placements announced in April.

How to register

Returning and new volunteers must complete online registration (click HERE to register). Volunteers are required to work a minimum of two (2) shifts, which range from 4-6 hours each, and to make an $85 donation in support of Iowa children’s charities when registering.

All 2018 volunteers will receive the following package, valued at approximately $350, in exchange for their generous donation to support the tournament’s charitable mission:

  • Free admission for tournament week
  • Five (5) Good-Any-One-Day tournament tickets to share with family, friends, etc.
  • Meals on days of service
  • An invitation to the annual Volunteer Appreciation Party
  • The official volunteer uniform (one golf polo, one rain-resistant golf jacket and a hat or visor)
  • A one-time 25% off merchandise discount
  • A preferred parking pass for tournament week

There are also a limited number of junior volunteer opportunities available for individuals age 13-17 during tournament week. Juniors interested in volunteering should use the code JUNIOR.

Volunteer incentives

The Principal Charity Classic offers a variety of unique incentives to reward volunteers, including:

  • Register by 5 to be entered to win an inside-the-ropes Honorary Observer experience.
  • Register by March 5 to be entered to win an invitation to the 2018 Pairings Party.
  • Register by April 2 to be entered to win a pair of VIP Champions Club tickets.
  • Register by May 1 to be entered to win a merchandise prize package.

To learn more about these incentives and complete registration, visit principalcharityclassic.com/volunteer.

Principal Charity Classic Volunteer Earns 2017 PGA TOUR Champions ‘Volunteer of the Year’ Honors.

Maggie Hatcher, a longtime volunteer at the Principal Charity Classic®, presented by Wells Fargo, has been recognized as the 2017 PGA TOUR Champions “Volunteer of the Year.”

The award was announced on December 7 during the TOUR’s annual meetings in Boca Raton, Florida, with Hatcher being selected as this year’s outstanding volunteer across all 26 PGA TOUR Champions events. She was nominated for the award by tournament staff (watch video here).

Hatcher, 79, of Harlan, Iowa, said she was thrilled to accept the honor and wanted to share it with her fellow volunteers at the Principal Charity Classic. More than 1,200 volunteers help bring the annual golf tournament to life each year at historic Wakonda Club in Des Moines.

“When I heard that I had been nominated for this award, I couldn’t believe it,” Hatcher said. “And then to win it…well, I had to sit down. It’s a great honor, and one that so many of my fellow Principal Charity Classic volunteers deserve, too. I’m just very proud to represent them. They are wonderful people.”

Hatcher, who currently volunteers as a marshal on the 14th hole, has made the trek from her hometown of Harlan – roughly 100 miles west of Des Moines – to Iowa’s capital city for the past 17 years and arrives with the energy of someone decades younger. She began volunteering when the event was known as the Allianz Championship (2001-2006) and then continued when Principal became title sponsor (2007 to present).

In addition to serving as a marshal, she has also previously volunteered in radio communications and as a tournament walking scorer.

“Volunteers are the heart and hands of the Principal Charity Classic,” said Assistant Tournament Director Scott Fuller, who also has been with the Principal Charity Classic for 17 years. “And Maggie exemplifies everything that is great about our many wonderful, longtime volunteers. Her smile, enthusiasm and energy are contagious, and her dedication to the tournament inspires everyone around her.”

Hatcher was born and raised on a farmstead east of Harlan, and caught the golf bug while volunteering at the former LPGA event in Springfield, Illinois, in the late 1970s. It was there she met well-known golf operations leader John Montgomery, Sr., who recruited her to join his company, Executive Sports, Inc., in Delray Beach, Florida.

Hatcher migrated south and spent two years working for Montgomery, Sr., whom she credits with teaching her to “never be a phony.” Hatcher said her time in Florida was wonderful, but she missed the changing seasons and eventually returned to Iowa. She later spent 25 years working as a bookkeeper for her local newspaper.

Hatcher, who will celebrate her 80th birthday in August, said she’d like to reach the 20-year mark as a Principal Charity Classic volunteer.

“It’s been a wonderful 17 years, my health is good right now, and the tournament keeps me young,” Hatcher said. “We’re a family as volunteers, and it’s exciting to reconnect with everyone each year. When we see each other again, it’s like we haven’t been apart for 51 weeks. And that’s my favorite thing about it all. It’s the people, and the difference we make together. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

The 2018 Principal Charity Classic will take place June 5-10 at Wakonda Club. Volunteer registration will open in January. For more information, visit principalcharityclassic.com.

About the Principal Charity Classic

The Principal Charity Classic is an annual PGA TOUR Champions event focused on philanthropic giving. In 2016, the Principal Charity Classic was recognized as the PGA TOUR Champions Tournament of the Year. This premier golf event raises contributions for the tournament’s “FORE Our Kids” charities, including: 1) Tournament Charity Partners, select organizations that provide a broad level of support to children of Iowa in the areas of education and culture, financial security and stability, and/or health and wellness. These organizations are supported through net proceeds of the tournament; and 2) Birdies for Charity Partners, which includes more than 100 additional children’s charities across Iowa that receive support through individual pledges and contributions made prior to and during the tournament. In 2017, the tournament raised a record $3,581,427, bringing its charitable giving total to approximately $13.5 million since 2007.

The 2018 Principal Charity Classic tournament will be played June 5-10, 2018, at Wakonda Club in Des Moines, Iowa. For more information on the charities and the tournament, visit principalcharityclassic.com and follow via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About PGA TOUR Champions

PGA TOUR Champions is a membership organization of professional golfers age 50 and older, including 35 members of the World Golf Hall of Fame. The Tour’s mission is to provide financial opportunities for its players, entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back and generate significant charitable and economic impact in tournament communities. In 2018, the PGA TOUR Champions schedule includes 27 tournaments across the United States, Scotland and Canada, with purses totaling more than $56 million. The Charles Schwab Cup, which includes the Regular Season and the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs, is used to determine the season-long champion. All events are televised in the United States, with most receiving complete coverage on Golf Channel, the exclusive cable-television partner of PGA TOUR Champions. Internationally, telecasts air in excess of 190 countries and territories, reaching more than 330 million potential households. Follow PGA TOUR Champions online at PGATOUR.com, at facebook.com/PGATOURChampions, on Twitter @ChampionsTour and on Instagram @pgatourchampions.

Principal Charity Classic Shatters Charitable Giving Record.

Great golf and even greater giving.

The Principal Charity Classic®, presented by Wells Fargo, today announced the 2017 tournament raised a record $3,581,427 for Iowa children’s charities, surpassing the annual event’s previous record of just over $2 million donated in 2016.

The Principal Charity Classic, which was named the 2016 PGA TOUR Champions Tournament of the Year, has now donated approximately $13.5 million to benefit Iowa kids since 2007 (watch video here).

“This level of giving is a direct reflection of the community’s support for the Principal Charity Classic and the incredible commitment of our 375 tournament sponsors,” said Dan Houston, chairman, president and CEO of Principal®. “This event continues to grow and exceed expectations. In particular, our Birdies For Charity program has seen rapid growth and benefits children’s charities throughout the entire state of Iowa.”

Birdies For Charity organizations solicit donations on their own behalf and receive 100% of every donation they collect, plus a 10% match on every donation thanks to generous funding from Sammons Financial Group and Wells Fargo. Participating organizations must have 501 (c)(3) status and programming for Iowa children, or be a K-12 school in the state.

Funds raised through the tournament also support six Tournament Charity Partners in the Des Moines area: Blank Children’s Hospital, Bravo Greater Des Moines, Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, Mercy Medical Center, United Way of Central Iowa and Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa.

Principal extends title sponsorship

Principal also announced today it has extended its Principal Charity Classic title sponsorship through 2023. Principal has served as title sponsor since 2007, along with Wells Fargo as presenting sponsor. Wells Fargo extended its presenting sponsor role for an additional three years in 2016.

Today’s extension announcement also includes the tournament’s host venue, with Wakonda Club set to host the Principal Charity Classic through 2023.

“Principal is proud to extend its title sponsorship of this world-class golf event and to do so with the support of many dedicated corporate and community partners, and of course the Wakonda Club,” Houston said. “Our goal is for the tournament to flourish for many years to come, and to continue giving back to Greater Des Moines and the state of Iowa.”

The Principal Charity Classic, which drew more than 81,000 fans to historic Wakonda Club in 2017, annually brings some of the biggest names in golf to Des Moines. This year’s tournament featured 27 of the top 30-ranked PGA TOUR Champions players, with Brandt Jobe holding off defending champion Scott McCarron and Kevin Sutherland to win by one shot for his first career PGA TOUR Champions victory.

Additional 2017 competitors included Bernhard Langer, the 2016 PGA TOUR Champions Player of the Year and defending Charles Schwab Cup champion; past Principal Charity Classic champions McCarron, Mark Calcavecchia, Russ Cochran, Jay Haas, Bob Gilder and Tom Pernice, Jr.; and perennial fan favorites such as Billy Andrade, Fred Funk, Tom Lehman, Jesper Parnevik and Fuzzy Zoeller.

The 2018 Principal Charity Classic will take place June 5-10, 2018, at Wakonda Club. For more information or to donate and help the tournament support kids year-round, visit principalcharityclassic.com.

 

Good Luck, RAGBRAI Riders!

RAGBRAI, The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, is a yearly seven-day bicycle ride across the state, and 8,500 riders will be making their way along its route July 24-30!

Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa, one of the Principal Charity Classic’s six Tournament Charity Partners, will be awarding 175 Variety bikes to underprivileged and at-risk children during RAGBRAI 2016, with presentations in each of the ride’s five overnight towns: Shenandoah, Creston, Centerville, Ottumwa and Washington.

In the past decade, Variety has also presented more than 160 specialized bikes to children with special needs, and 50 of those bikes donated in conjunction with funds raised by the Principal Charity Classic.

Specialized bikes help children with special needs gain mobility, confidence, freedom, independence and the chance to join in the life of their community by providing funding for specialized bicycles to children. Specialized bikes are customized for each child and range in price from $2,000 to $6,000. However, they are rarely covered by insurance, making Variety’s work that much more important.

“There is absolutely nothing like seeing a child’s face light up – and the faces of their family members – when they receive their very own specialized bike,” said Greg Conrad, Principal Charity Classic Tournament Director. “It’s very real and impactful for everyone involved, and those moments are what the Principal Charity Classic is all about.

To learn more about the Principal Charity Classic’s support of Variety, CLICK HERE.

To make a donation in support of Variety Bikes, CLICK HERE.