Each spring the PGA TOUR arrives in Broward County just as The Honda Classic revs its engines and shifts into high gear. The event is recognized for showcasing the world’s finest golfers, to a host of sponsors and individuals in attendance, using one of Florida’s most challenging courses.
But dig deeper into the event and there is evidence of greater forces at work. The end result of these "forces" are the contributions to society and charity made by The Honda Classic. Contributions that sometimes read like a storybook tale.
The story is one of significant contributors who live and work in South Florida. People who truly care. A base of 1,200 volunteers, all of whom form the backbone of the event, come out annually and build a foundation from which great things can happen…and do!
Building on this stalwart base of volunteers are the sponsors and individuals who enjoy The Honda Classic and the entertainment it provides. The strength of this group of donors is told through their investments and contributions, all of which support the wide variety of activities and projects offered by the tournament.
The results? It’s clear from the smiles on the faces of children and parents, teachers and students, and most of all, those in need. These are people whose organizations receive donations which are a direct result of The Classic Foundation and its dedicated members’ efforts to prepare The Honda Classic for play each year.
As in past years, plans remain intact at The Honda Classic to have significant impact on long-term charity partners found in Broward County. Key charities that continue their march along side the "Best PGA Tour event in Florida" are organizations such as The Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County, Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities, Florida Parks and Recreation Association, local Civil Air Patrol and Lutheran Church Ministries,just to name a few.
Each organization, through the hard work and the efforts of their patrons and organizers, fill volunteer roles and provide services "pro bono" that make The Honda Classic the special event it is. Volunteer resources annually drive the event to new heights.
The return on their investment? Considerable. Over $5 million have been raised to support this effort over the years. And while understanding PGA Tour events annually contribute over $22,000,000, it is knowing The Honda Classic sets a goal of over $250,000 in contribution a year that allows it to rise above and beyond significant. And the beat goes on.
1994 will mark the newest effort being put into action by The Honda Classic. It is known as the "Save Our Sports" project.
"Save Our Sports" was conceived in order to broaden the base of contribution opportunity offered up by the event. Key individuals within the infrastructure have made it possible for high school athletics and affiliate programs to receive the financial benefits of selling tickets.
The project uses the foresight of key Honda representative, Mr. Irv Grossman. With guidance from Executive Committee members Betty McCarthy and Michael Curran, and the aid of in-house Project Coordinator, Marc Leff, the project makes 100% of the funds raised by high school student groups selling daily tickets available to each individual’s athletic program.
"Save Our Sports" could result in the tournament achieving an aggressive goal of raising $50,000 for high school athletics and affiliated programs. This contribution is being raised through local communities all because people find the entertainment value of The Honda Classic on level par with the pleasure of knowing funds are going to support athletic programs important to maintaining healthy scholastic environments in Broward County.
Other chapters will be written to The Honda Classic storyline as each year passes. For now, the immediate efforts of the event remain in building a better future through better programs and partnerships that spell contributions.
The future couldn’t be brighter for the event and its community!
Reprinted From The 1994 Official Honda Classic Tournament Guide
