A record $1.095-plus million was gifted to 54 Ozarks children’s charities on Tuesday, marking yet another banner year for the PGA Korn Ferry Tour’s Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper.
“What an incredible year for our charities,” Tournament Executive Director Byron Shive said during the annual Celebration of Sharing presented by The McQueary Family, held at Highland Springs Country Club. “We are thankful that numerous businesses and individuals rallied to support our charities. Your efforts will help them meet their missions and make a true impact in the lives of those most in need in southwest Missouri.”
Specifically, the tournament gifted $1,095,318 on Tuesday. Since John Q. Hammons founded the tournament in 1990, a total of $19,479,182 has been distributed to local charities. The previous record was set last year – of more than $1.007 million – and this year’s total marks the third time in tournament history that more than $1 million has been gifted. The first year was 2014.
In fact, more than 93.3 percent of that total – or $18,184,170 – has been gifted since the involvement of Price Cutter Supermarkets, which has been a presenting or title sponsor the past 24 years. Dr Pepper has been on board for 19 years.
“Price Cutter and all its employee owners are proud to be involved in such an incredible event,” said Rob Marsh, Chief Operating Officer for Price Cutter Supermarkets. “We have been blessed all 24 years to be able to help each one of these local children’s charities. We love how the money stays local and changes the lives of so many. We thank everyone for their hard work and participation. This is proof of where you shop truly matters.”
Alex Baldwin, President of the Korn Ferry Tour, added this:
“Being an original tournament on the Korn Ferry Tour, the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper has consistently possessed a strong commitment to its charitable efforts within the Springfield community, and today is another example of that,” Baldwin said. “We are so proud to work with a tournament team that continues to display its passion for charitable giving, and we look forward to returning to Springfield next July.”
The tournament received support from over 400 businesses and individuals and enjoyed success in events such as:
- Skyboxes and other on-course sponsorships
- A dozen golf experiences such as pro-ams
- Golf Ball & Charity Auction presented by University Plaza & CPI Technologies
- Harvest Moon Festival presented by SGC Foodservice
- The ULTIMATE presented by Ridewell Suspensions
- Platinum Clubs & Clays Classic presented by USA Mortgage
- TLC Properties Charity Sweepstakes
- Rick’s Automotive, Inc. Raffle
- Honoring Our Heroes presented by The Honor Flight of the Ozarks
- Rockin’ Roll Bike & Music Festival benefitting Music Therapy of the Ozarks
- NAMI Neon Night Run
REACTION OF CHARITY DIRECTORS
Bonnie Keller, Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House: “We have been blessed to benefit from the Price Cutter Charity Championship since the first year of this amazing event in 1990. Our two Ronald McDonald Houses were built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on healing their child. The PCCC has been instrumental in helping us be there for families during one of the most scary and vulnerable times of their lives, providing a ‘home-away-from-home’ for families of seriously ill and injured children for 33 years. We are truly grateful to be part of the PCCC family.”
Melissa Skaggs, owner of The Hive of the Ozarks: “The PCCC has really helped Hive of the Ozarks, especially since we are a new non-profit in the area. Although we were a last-minute addition to the lineup, Kari and her people supported us 100% by helping us hit the ground running so that we were fully involved.
Our people loved doing the concession stand at the golf tournament, and being a pit stop for the Rockin’ Roll Bike and Music Festival. I would like to thank Jerald Andrews and his team for including us in this amazing charity event! We feel honored to be a part of this excellent organization.”
Ethan Forhetz, Vice President of Public Engagement for Convoy of Hope: “Convoy of Hope is honored to be part of the Price Cutter Charity Championship every year. The impact this tournament has on local charities truly is immeasurable. I know how instrumental it is in allowing Convoy of Hope to meet the needs of people in our community. The funding that comes in from the PCCC is crucial to Convoy’s impact on the people of the Ozarks. Thank you to the PCCC for its dedication to supporting the organizations that support our neighbors.”
Cinda Bauer, Executive Director of Harbor House Domestic Violence Center: “It is such an honor being a part of the Price Cutter Charity Championship. The financial gain we receive is just one piece of the whole experience. The opportunity to talk about what we do and why we do it, as well as the networking with others, is priceless. We are looking forward to many more years of this amazing partnership. Thank you PCCC and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame for investing in the future of Harbor House and making it possible for us to offer hope and healing to survivors of domestic and sexual abuse here is Southwest Missouri.”
SPONSORS WEIGH IN
Andrew Tasset, Vice President, Marketing Manager of Central Bank/Central Trust: “We support the community in so many ways each year, through donations and volunteerism. As a bank, we are only as successful as the communities, businesses, and people we serve. That’s why we’ve been part of the Price Cutter Charity Championship since its inception. The Price Cutter tournament mirrors our own philosophies in giving back to the community. That’s why we’ve supported them for so many years. It means a lot to our clients and employees to participate in the tournament which has given back so much to the great non-profits and civic groups that serve us all.”
Rick Beaman, Vice President of Hiland Dairy Foods: “Hiland has been a longtime supporter since the tournament’s inception, and it’s primarily because of the great charities involved and being able to know where our money goes. Everyone in the Springfield area is appreciative of the support and it is good for the community.”
VOLUNTEER OF THE WEEK
This year’s award went to Tammy Sconce, who was presented the honors on Championship Sunday. Sharon Alexander, the PCCC’s Volunteer Chair, had this to say about her efforts:
“For those not present on Tournament Sunday, we recognized the Volunteer of the Week, Tammy Sconce,” Alexander said. “Tammy has been involved with the tournament for the past several years and is willing to take on any task. Tammy will work in any area and moves around the course to help fill any volunteer gap. Tammy saves vacation to work the tournament – which is a testament to how much she is dedicated to the tournament. Tammy brings joy to all of those working with her and ensures all around her have a great time.”
JUDY WEEKLEY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
This year’s recipient is Randy Carpenter. Sharon Alexander, the PCCC’s Volunteer Chair, had this to say about his service:
“Randy Carpenter has been involved in the Price Cutter Charity Championship Tournament presented by Dr Pepper for many years. He has worked tirelessly in several volunteer areas and normally works all seven days of the tournament. You can count on Randy to be there from morning to the end of play, regardless of the time,” Alexander said. “His extensive knowledge of several critical service areas has made him invaluable to the tournament’s success. Randy has worked in the On-Course Services area, providing a multitude of services to players, caddies, as well as supporting the PGA officials. His extensive knowledge of the placement and support of marshals has also made him a valued tool in their operation. This year, he responded to a new request of supporting the Standard Bearers. This responsibility required his full-time efforts during the four days of the tournament. He willingly stepped up to respond to this last-minute request. Randy works very well with tournament personnel and has a great rapport with the volunteers. Randy’s commitment continues to be a valued part to the PCCC tournament’s overall success.”