PCCC gifts $951,906 to 49 Ozarks children’s charities

PCCC-Charity Directors with check

Tuesday marked yet another great day in the storied history of the PGA Korn Ferry Tour’s Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper, as 49 Ozarks children’s charities were gifted $951,906.

Tournament Executive Director Jerald Andrews announced the 2019 amount during the annual Celebration of Sharing presented by the McQueary Family at Highland Springs Country Club. The gift was the third-largest in the tournament’s 30-year history.

This year’s amount also boosted PCCC’s overall total to $16,542,707. This past summer marked the 21st year with Price Cutter Supermarkets as either a presenting or title sponsor, and 92 percent of the overall gifting — $15,247,785 – has come during Price Cutter’s involvement. Dr Pepper has been on board for 17 years.

“All those who supported the tournament this year, from businesses to families and individuals, deserve a standing ovation for making this possible,” Andrews said. “The same can be said for our charities, who do tremendous work. These funds will greatly assist them in their missions.”

“Price Cutter and all its employee owners are proud to be involved in such an incredible event,” said Rob Marsh, Vice President for Price Cutter Supermarkets. “We have been blessed all 21 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.”

This year marked yet another milestone for the PCCC, which remains one of only four original members of the tour, then known as the Ben Hogan Tour. Highland Springs Country Club has hosted the tournament every year. In July, the PGA reached a 10-year agreement for Korn Ferry as the tour’s sponsor.

“It’s an honor to be here at the Celebration of Sharing,” said Korn Ferry Tour President Alex Baldwin, who was in Springfield for the announcement. “The Price Cutter Charity Championship has been a staple on the Korn Ferry Tour schedule since the Tour’s inaugural season in 1990. Jerald Andrews and his team have created an incredible experience for fans, volunteers and players while forming a meaningful footprint in the Springfield community.”

The tournament received sponsorships from 500 entities or individuals and experienced success in numerous events:

  • Harvest Moon Festival presented by SGC Foodservice
  • Golf Ball & Charity Auction presented by University Plaza & CPI Technologies
  • Platinum Clubs & Clays presented by USA Mortgage
  • A dozen pro-ams and playing opportunities
  • TLC Properties Charity Sweepstakes
  • The Ultimate presented by Custom Metalcraft and Ridewell Suspensions
  • Michele Kiser Women’s Golf Clinic & Fashion Show presented by Advertising Plus
  • Pitch, Chip & Putt Championship presented by B&T Electric & Freedom Bank
  • Honoring Our Heroes presented by NRoute Enterprises

 

REACTION FROM CHARITY DIRECTORS

Stephanie Appleby, Executive Director of NAMI of Southwest Missouri: “The PCCC has given us the opportunity to dispel the stigma surrounding mental illness and extend the reach of NAMI’s programming. This event is so important to us because we are not only given an amazing platform to raise money for our agency, but are able to form lasting friendships, bonds and partnerships with other agencies in our community – all to work toward a common goal.”

Brandy Harris, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield: “The support we receive from this tournament is invaluable. We are able to more effectively, more intentionally, and more meaningfully serve the kids and families in this community who need us most. From keeping our lights on in our five locations across Springfield, to ensuring we have a balanced hot meal for the 2,500-plus kids we serve, to providing tutoring programs that bridge academic gaps, the PCCC is more than a golf tournament. It is a game-changer.”

Jody Dow, Executive Director of Springfield Dream Center: “Our partnership with the PCCC tournament this year has been an incredible encouragement to our families and team. The exposure of working alongside great non-profits and the history of the tournament have allowed many to learn about the Dream Center who had not heard of us before. We are so grateful for the work PCCC has made possible in our community and at the Dream Center.”

BUSINESS LEADERS WEIGH IN

Matt Sibet, General Sales Manager of Reliable Toyota: “Do what is right. Be committed to excellence. Treat others how you would like to be treated. These are the core values of Reliable Toyota that we strive to uphold every day. Our support of the Price Cutter Charity Championship is our extension of those values. We feel it is our duty to give back as much as we can. The work that Price Cutter Charity Championship does year-round to gather funding and support for families in need is the kind of organization that we are proud to support.”

Mark McNay, with SMC Packaging for 41 years and now Senior Vice President/General Manager: “SMC is proud to be part of such a great institution. Jerald, Sharyn and others have done an amazing job to turn this into a top quality event, and it’s quite commendable. We’re always supportive of our community and, to see what the Price Cutter Charity Championship has done for youths in the community, is just amazing.”

Russ Marquart, President of Central Bank/Central Trust: “The teamwork of local businesses is a key factor in the PCCC’s success. Without this cooperative spirit, the tournament would not be as fun or successful for all involved – this is what makes this tournament stand out on the Korn Ferry Tour. As the event has grown, so has our corporate donation and support. We feel it is not just a donation but an investment in the community and children’s lives. They are our future and are much deserving of this investment.”

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

The PCCC also presented the Judy Weekley Volunteer of the Year award to Cherie Smetana, a board member for CHANCES of Stone County, which is in its ninth year with the PCCC.

“She just works really hard on every aspect of the tournament,” said Sharyn Wagoner, Tournament Chair. “Her team packed the snack packs (for our pro-ams), sold over 450 TLC Properties Charity Sweepstakes tickets and raised over $11,000 in the auction. And they put on a great gala this year that featured Branson entertainment, along with performances by the Chances’ kids.”

 

 

 

WAGONER RETIRING

The 2019 tournament marked the 25th and final for Sharyn Wagoner, who is retiring in February. She has led the 1,000-person volunteer army for the past 16 years, while juggling many other leadership roles.

Wagoner expressed a heart-felt thank-you to all who have been involved with the tournament.

“The tournament will always hold a special place in my heart. I have met so many people and made so many friends over the years,” Wagoner said. “I admire the charities for their dedication to their missions, the sponsors for their faith in us and what we do, and the volunteers for their commitment to the event.  We all work together, along with the staff of the Hall of Fame, to make this event the success that it is. Thank you to all of you who have supported me through all these years! Keep up the good work!”

Jerald Andrews, Tournament Director, cannot thank Wagoner enough for her tireless work.

“Sharyn Wagoner has been a part of the tournament for 25 years. I asked her to make a three-year commitment to lead the volunteers. That was 16 years ago!” Andrews said. “She has played an integral role during that time and has been involved in every aspect of the tournament’s growth. Her work has meant thousands of dollars in impacting thousands of young lives.”

The PGA Korn Ferry Tour also expressed its appreciation.

“We cannot thank Sharyn enough for her continued support of the Price Cutter Charity Championship and the Korn Ferry Tour,” said Alex Baldwin, President of the Korn Ferry Tour. “In her 25 years, she has helped make the Price Cutter Charity Championship a premiere event on our Tour, and we wish her all the best. We wish she would stay a few more years, but we couldn’t be happier for her.”