Arizona Charity Golf Raises Millions for Communities

Arizona's charity golf events are a powerhouse for local fundraising, generating millions for various causes. Here's a quick overview:

• WM Phoenix Open: Raised $17.5M in 2024, $208M total since inception
• Desert Financial Foundation Golf Tournament: Nearly $7M raised since 1999
• Epic Golf Club Desert Shootout: Supports Make-A-Wish Arizona
• Blackstone Country Club Events: $211,400 raised in 8 months
• 1 Darn Cool School Golf Tournament: Supports education, $100 entry fee

These events do more than raise money - they unite communities, offer tax breaks, and build partnerships between nonprofits and businesses.

Arizona's charity golf scene is thriving, tapping into the sport's popularity to drive positive change in local communities.

1. WM Phoenix Open

The WM Phoenix Open isn't just a golf tournament. It's a charity powerhouse.

In 2024, it smashed records, raising $17.5 million for local charities. That's up from $14.5 million in 2023. Since Waste Management took over in 2010, they've raised over $142 million. All-time total? A whopping $208 million.

Here's a quick look at recent years:

This money makes a real difference. In 2023, Valleywise Health Medical Center got $500,000 to expand their pediatric burn unit. New playroom, therapy room, and family overnight rooms? Check.

George Thimsen, 2024 Chair, put it simply:

"The mission always stays the same, which is to make a true, lasting, positive impact on our communities through charitable giving."

But it's not just about charity. The WM Phoenix Open is an economic beast. The 2022 event alone pumped $453.7 million into Arizona's economy. It added $276.8 million to the state's GDP and created 4,290 jobs.

The numbers are impressive:

• $17.6 million in state and local sales tax
• $13 million in direct sales tax
• $220 million from visitor and organization spending

Michael Golding, 2022 Tournament Chairman, said:

"We're proud to see our once small golf tournament in the middle of the desert grow into a crucial source for economic development and growth not only in the Phoenix area, but everywhere in Arizona."

The "People's Open" is more than golf. It's a force for good in Arizona, blending sport, charity, and economic growth in a way that lifts the entire state.

2. Desert Financial Foundation Golf Tournament

Since 1999, the Desert Financial Foundation Golf Tournament has been a big player in Arizona's charity golf world. It's raised millions for kids' education and healthcare.

The 2024 tournament was a hit. It pulled in $580,000 for Credit Unions for Kids, helping Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and Phoenix Children's 1 Darn Cool School. Here's how it stacks up:

Over 180 people showed up at Whirlwind Golf Club in Chandler on February 26, 2024. They formed 36 teams and played with pro golfers.

But it's not just about golf. It's about the kids. The 1 Darn Cool School at Phoenix Children's keeps kids learning while they're in the hospital. It has eight full-time teachers with master's degrees.

Ron Amstutz, who runs the tournament, says:

"While the tournament is fun … what's important is the impact this event has on the kids at Phoenix Children's."

The foundation doesn't stop at the tournament. In January 2024, they gave another $1,150,000 to the 1 Darn Cool School. Over 27 years, they've given a total of $10.95 million.

Marie Osmond, who helped start Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, thinks it's great:

"Desert Financial and its partners have set a gold standard for philanthropy and social impact."

This tournament shows how a local event can make a big difference. It's not just golf - it's changing lives, one swing at a time.

3. Epic Golf Club Desert Shootout

The Epic Golf Club Desert Shootout is shaking up Arizona's charity golf scene. Held at Firerock Country Club, this event has quickly become a powerhouse for Make-A-Wish Arizona.

In its debut year, the Desert Shootout raked in thousands for Make-A-Wish Arizona. This organization has granted over 6,500 wishes for Arizona kids.

But it's not just about the money. The tournament brings everyone together - players, volunteers, and staff - in a big community hug. One highlight? A young wish recipient, dreaming of becoming an author, shared her story with the crowd.

The Epic Foundation isn't stopping there. They're gearing up for their 3rd Annual Charity Pro-Am in September 2024. It's a two-day extravaganza across two top-notch courses:

NOCO's back as Title Sponsor for the third year running. Talk about commitment!

Epic Golf Club and Make-A-Wish Arizona? They're in it for the long haul. It's a perfect example of how local golf can drive real change in communities.

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4. Blackstone Country Club Charity Events

Blackstone Country Club in Arizona is crushing it with local fundraising. In just eight months, they've raised $211,400 for charities. How? By mixing it up with golf tournaments, raffles, silent auctions, and even bocce ball.

Here's a quick look at their top events:

The Singletons event is a big deal. Over 12 years, it's raised $733,550 for single-parent families facing cancer. That's some serious community impact.

But Blackstone isn't just about golf. Their May blood drive collected 30 blood components, helping 90 local hospital patients. They're using everything they've got to make a difference.

Patrick Denney, PGA, General Manager of Blackstone Country Club, puts it this way:

"Blackstone Country Club and our membership take great pride in the club's charitable efforts. We are involved in our community and utilize our platform and amenities to help raise funds for those who need a helping hand."

What makes Blackstone stand out? They keep it local. All events benefit organizations in Peoria or Maricopa County. The money stays close to home, helping nearby communities.

5. 1 Darn Cool School Golf Tournament

The 1 Darn Cool School Golf Tournament is a standout charity event in Arizona's golf scene. It's run by the Arizona School Choice Administration Corporation, bringing together golf lovers and education supporters.

In 2022, they aimed to raise $1,000 for education. With 144 players paying $100 each, they were set for success.

Here's the lowdown:

But it's not just about golf. The tournament backs Choose A School, helping families find the right schools. They offer:

• Money help
• Special ed info
• School funding
• Teacher training
• Recruitment aid

Want in? Check out these sponsor levels:

It's a four-person scramble, so it's fun for all skill levels. Your entry gets you golf, cart, food, drinks, and swag.

Can't make it? No sweat. Bid in the online auction for trips, golf packages, and sports gear. It's an easy way to back Arizona education from anywhere.

Good and Bad Points

Let's break down the pros and cons of Arizona's charity golf events:

These events share some perks:

• Unite communities for good
• Offer tax breaks
• Build nonprofit-business partnerships

But they face hurdles too:

• Weather can mess with turnout
• Events compete for players and sponsors
• Demand careful money management

Here's the kicker: Golf's booming. The National Golf Foundation counted 531 million rounds in 2023. That's good news for Arizona's charity golf scene.

Want to nail your charity golf event? Try these:

1. Use golf-specific event platforms
2. Craft killer sponsorship deals
3. Spice it up with contests and auctions
4. Market smart on social and local channels

Wrap-up

Arizona's charity golf events pack a punch for local communities. They don't just raise money - they build connections and spark change.

Check out these numbers:

These events go beyond golf. They're about:

• Partnerships: Local businesses like Valley Toyota Dealers step up as sponsors.
• Tackling issues: From mental health to hunger, these events fund critical causes.
• Community: Golfers, volunteers, and sponsors unite for good.

Jolsna Thomas, Rosendin Foundation President, nails it:

"We like to give where we work and live."

The future's bright for Arizona's charity golf scene. The 25th annual Phoenix Children's Golf Tournament is set for November 22, 2024, keeping the giving going.

Planning a charity golf event? Remember:

• Mix fun and fundraising (like HopeKids Charity Golf Classic's prizes and auctions)
• Team up with local businesses
• Spread the word

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