More than 50 Ozarks charities were big winners Tuesday, collectively receiving more than $1 million from the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper.
“Our community gets a huge standing ovation from us,” 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 this year. 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 $1,025,201.88 on Tuesday, and that marks the second-highest total in tournament history, as well as the fourth time in tournament history that charities have received more than
$1 million. Since John Q. Hammons founded the tournament in 1990, a total of $20,501,384 has been distributed to local charities.
In fact, more than 93.7 percent of that total – or $19,206,372 – 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 20 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 these 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.”
“With a long history dating back to our inaugural season on the Korn Ferry Tour in 1990, the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper has always emphasized the importance of giving back and positively impacting the Springfield community,” said Korn Ferry Tour President Alex Baldwin. “Today’s announcement at the Celebration of Sharing is another example of the event’s commitment to charitable giving, and on behalf of everyone at the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA TOUR, we are incredibly proud of all the great work displayed by the tournament team on an annual basis, and I look forward to July 2024 for the 35th playing of the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper.”
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 Big Brothers Big Sisters
- TLC Properties Charity Sweepstakes
- Rick’s Automotive, Inc. Mexico Raffle
- Honoring Our Heroes presented by The Honor Flight of the Ozarks
- Rockin’ Roll Bike & Music Festival benefitting Music Therapy of the Ozarks
REACTION OF CHARITY DIRECTORS
Alyea Alldredge, Executive Director of Mercy Health Foundation Springfield: “We at Mercy Health Foundation are so grateful for everyone that supported the PCCC this year! Because of your generosity, you helped to provide a new Mobile Mammography Bus for this community and beyond. Because of you, lives will be saved as patients will have better access to screenings for breast cancer. Thank you for contributing to this tremendous resource.”
Aimee Jarrett, Chief Executive Officer of The Fordland Clinic: “The funds raised over the years have helped Fordland Clinic purchase equipment and provide dental services for the children in the Fordland and Kimberling City areas. Since 2018, we have received nearly $50,000, which has provided an opportunity to purchase mobile equipment for our mobile unit. The equipment allows us to examine and treat kids’ dental needs at local schools. Without this opportunity, many kids would not receive the dental care they need, and they will continue to suffer from cavities or other dental issues. The funds will allow Fordland Clinic to add additional schools in our areas so more kiddos can receive preventative and treatment for their teeth.”
Jayme Raynor, Community Development Director of Good Samaritan Boys Ranch: “Good Samaritan Boys Ranch appreciates everyone who supported the Price Cutter Charity Championship. The contributions from the tournament increase our staff’s capacity to implement trauma informed interventions. These funds are an integral part of helping youth heal from trauma and families to build resiliency.”
Kandice White of H.O.P.E. Foundation, which helps cover bills for families whose children are hospitalized: “HOPE Foundation has been a part of the Price Cutter Charity Championship tournament for many years now. They have given us so many amazing opportunities to raise additional funds to continue our mission. With those additional funds, we are able to help so many more families in our community, and we could never thank them enough!”
VOLUNTEER OF THE WEEK
The Volunteer of the Week is Janet Sterling, of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which handles environmental services all across the golf course. The Volunteer of the Week Award is selected by the division chairs and is an opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service and the influence a volunteer has on helping to build a strong event.
“This year’s recipient has been involved with the tournament for many years,” said Sharon Alexander, Volunteer Chair. “She quietly works behind the scenes and is always willing to help another volunteer or spectator. She exhibits the best example of voluntary action to enhance everyone’s experience at the Tournament. Her dedication to helping lead her team is recognized by all.”
JUDY WEEKLEY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
The Judy Weekley Volunteer of the Year goes to Bob Roberts of Second Baptist Church. The award is named after Judy Weekley, the first volunteer of the tournament in 1990.
“Roberts) has been an integral part of the tournament for many years, working tirelessly in various volunteer areas and providing invaluable support during the months of planning. His extensive tournament knowledge has made him a go-to person for everything related to the event. He is always present on tournament day, no matter the hour, and his unwavering commitment is truly inspiring,” Alexander said. “This year, he went above and beyond his duties by working closely with the leadership team to troubleshoot various issues during the planning stages. He also played a vital role in securing new charities to serve as Marshals, demonstrating his exceptional leadership skills and dedication to the tournament’s success. His friendly demeanor and great rapport with the volunteers and tournament personnel make him a true asset to the PCCC Tournament.”
