PGA REACH Minnesota kicks off PGA National Day of HOPE Campaign Supporting local PGA HOPE Programs and Veterans
COON RAPIDS, MINN. – October 12, 2023 – PGA REACH Minnesota, the non-profit charity of the Minnesota PGA, has announced the official launch of the National Day of HOPE Campaign benefiting PGA HOPE (Helping our Patriots Everywhere) programs across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and parts of Western Wisconsin. In its seventh year, the National Day of HOPE spans for over a month, running 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 Minnesota.
PGA HOPE is a national program that introduces golf to Veterans and active-duty military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being through a 6-8 week developmental curriculum taught by PGA of America Golf Professionals trained in adaptive golf and military competency.
Our 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 with Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, 20 Veterans from across the country, all of which are graduates of local PGA HOPE programs, will participate in an immersive, four-day event that includes advanced golf instruction and wellness training. At the conclusion of the event, the 20 Veterans become PGA HOPE Ambassadors for their respective Sections. The Minnesota PGA is happy to announce the selection of Lt. Col. Brian Douty as our newest PGA HOPE Ambassador. Brian has served in the Minnesota National Guard for 25 years, including a tour of duty in Iraq, providing base defense and convoy escorts. He is also the Deputy Director of the VA in St. Cloud. We are thrilled to have Brian represent our local PGA HOPE programs and chapters.
In addition to financial support by the PGA of America, local PGA Sections like Minnesota will offer an online fundraising opportunity to help supplement the existing 12 locations. In 2023, 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.
To learn more about PGA REACH Minnesota and how you can support the 2023 National Day of HOPE Campaign, please visit the Official Fundraising Page – LEARN MORE
ABOUT PGA REACH MINNESOTA
PGA REACH Minnesota is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the Minnesota Section PGA. The mission of PGA REACH Minnesota is to enable access to the game of golf utilizing PGA Professionals to positively impact the lives of youth, military, and diverse populations with an emphasis on inclusion.
ABOUT PGA HOPE MINNESOTA
PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the flagship military program of PGA REACH Minnesota. PGA HOPE is a 6-8 week program that provides military veterans with free golf experiences taught by PGA Professionals. Upon completing the program, Veterans are considered “graduates” and will remain engaged every year through other PGA HOPE activities and events provided by PGA REACH Minnesota.
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CONTACT:
Catherine Pederson
Minnesota PGA
cmwagner@pgahq.com