After the final event at Firestone Country Club in 2018, one of the biggest concerns about the loss of the PGA TOUR’s WGC Bridgestone Invitational was its effect on the significant charity dollars for Northeast Ohio.
The final Bridgestone Invitational generated $1,028,910 in 2018, which was distributed to 41 local charities. The PGA Champion’s Tour’s Bridgetone SENIOR PLAYERS Championship didn’t quite match that amount, but did distribute $825,000 to area charities.
Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, Akron Children’s Hospital, The First Tee of Greater Akron, Summa Health System, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and United Way of Summit County, plus several other charities will receive a portion of the total amount.
While less than the 2018 total from the long-running, star-studded WGC event, the 2019 charitable sum is still highly significant and will likely grow as the PGA TOUR Champions event gains its future footing at Firestone.
“Professional golf in Northeast Ohio has always been about more than just golf,” said Executive Director Don Padgett III. “For the last 65 years this sport has aided in developing a strong charitable footprint that positively impacts and directly affects charities in our community. Although the tournament is just one week of the year, we know these donations will be felt by each of the deserving non-profit organizations all year long and we are proud that the Bridgestone SENIOR PLAYERS will continue golf’s charitable legacy in Northeast Ohio for years to come.”
