MADISON, Wis. (Dec. 11, 2017) — Following in the successful footsteps of the inaugural tournament, the 2017 American Family Insurance Championship raised $1,625,000 for charity in only its second year, tournament and PGA TOUR officials announced today, surpassing the 2016 total by $535,500.
Approximately half the proceeds – $815,000 – will be distributed to the American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison, Wis., and more than 65 other primarily local charities will share the other $810,000 in varying amounts. This compares to the 2016 tournament, which had the highest-ever for a first-year PGA TOUR Champions event total of $1,089,500, distributed to 34 charitable organizations.
The grand total raised and charitable organization recipients were revealed at an event today held at the American Family Insurance corporate headquarters. The event featured championship host/player Steve Stricker, his wife, Nicki, PGA TOUR Champions President Greg McLaughlin, American Family Chairman and CEO Jack Salzwedel, numerous tournament sponsors and volunteers.
“The Stricker family is overwhelmed by the incredible generosity of everyone who has supported this event in its first two years,” said Steve and Nicki Stricker. “It means so much to our team to be able to offer an experience that keeps fans coming back, while meeting our primary goal of helping deserving non-profit organizations who have such a strong, positive impact on our communities.”
The second annual American Family Insurance Championship was held in June at University Ridge golf course in Madison, Wis. More than 65,000 spectators from 27 states attended during the three days of tournament play and nearly 1,000 volunteers from 13 states donated their time to take part in the event. The local economic impact of the tournament was estimated to be around $14 million.
“We’re very proud of our partnership with Steve and this golf tournament,” said Jack Salzwedel, American Family Insurance chairman and CEO. “We’re amazed and grateful for all of the enthusiastic support we’ve received in the first two years, evidenced by today’s announcement. So many children and families will benefit from the success of this community event.”
In addition to the American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison, here are just a few of the more than 65 other organizations addressing multiple needs in our communities and how the grant funds will be used:
• Centro Hispano, Inc. – Offer a safe space and support to members of the Latino community, as well as valuable services, resources and programs meant to enhance the lives of children and families..
• Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS) – Meet the immediate need of an increasing number of clients for safety and security; provide funding towards prevention initiatives.
• Reach-A-Child, Inc. – Replenish drawstring backpacks with books in police vehicles that are used and have been proven to help comfort children-in-crisis who have been in an automobile accident, a house fire, domestic disturbance or other traumatic events.
• The Road Home Dane County – Provide affordable housing units to homeless families; provide case management services critical to family success in maintaining permanent housing.
• The River Food Pantry – Offer nutritious andhealthy food options to families who visit the pantry and for children who utilize the pantry’s mobile lunch program..
• Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program – Develop and carry out anti-poverty programs to break the cycle of poverty; provide assistance in critical areas such as housing, energy, early childhood and adult eduation, healthcare, trasnportation and particularly food insecurity.
“In two short years, the American Family Insurance Championship has become a premier event on the PGA TOUR Champions calendar, and one our players look forward to each season,” said PGA TOUR Champions President Greg McLaughlin. “Steve Stricker has been a tremendous ambassador for American Family Insurance and the great state of Wisconsin, and today’s announcement ensures that the tournament’s greatest impact continues to be solidifying a strong charitable footprint.”
Next year’s event will be held June 18-24, 2018, with special events Monday-Thursday and tournament play Friday-Sunday. Fred Couples will return as defending champion and Stricker will play in the tournament for the second time after turning 50 and becoming eligible for the PGA TOUR Champions last February.
About Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation
Established in 2013 when Steve Stricker became a brand ambassador for American Family Insurance, the mission of the foundation is to inspire and develop strong families and healthy kids so they can pursue their dreams. The foundation supports organizations that produce tangible outcomes that align with this mission. Web: http://www.amfamchampionship.com/foundation-and-charities/ ; Twitter: @StrickerFNDN
About the American Family Insurance Championship
The PGA TOUR Champions, American Family Insurance and 12-time PGA TOUR winner and Wisconsin native Steve Stricker announced this new Wisconsin golf event in June 2015. The 2017 American Family Insurance Championship featured a 78-player field competing for a $2 million purse. The no-cut event at University Ridge golf course included two Pro-Am events followed by three days of tournament play. The 2018 event will be held June 18-24. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation for distribution to the American Family Children’s Hospital and other charities. For more information: Web: www.amfamchampionship.com; Twitter: @AmFamChamp; Facebook: American Family Insurance Championship; Instagram: amfamchampionship
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