$3.4 Million To Be Distributed

Hootie Johnson, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, announced today that the Masters would continue its practice of making significant contributions to the world of golf and the local community. This year approximately $3.4 million will be distributed. Over the last nine years the Masters has made contributions in excess of $29 million.

The First Tee national youth development program will receive $1 million for its program. Since 1998, the Masters has given over $9 million to the organization. The First Tee was created to provide affordable access to the game of golf for young people who otherwise might not have an opportunity to play.

"Augusta National Golf Club has been an important part of The First Tee since our founding," said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., Executive Director of The First Tee and Senior Vice President of the World Golf Foundation. "Without their consistent generous support we would not have been able to reach the 675,000 young people that we have, 217,000 of them just last year. Augusta National became a supporter of The First Tee when we were just a concept, and they have stayed with us as we have grown to 253 facilities in 44 states and five other countries. We value the faith they have shown in us."

The Community Foundation for the CSRA will receive a gift of $1.25 million. Since 1997, The Community Foundation has received over $11.2 million from the Masters. The Community Foundation is an Augusta-based foundation that evaluates then selects worthwhile Augusta area charities to receive contributions.

"The Community Foundation is extremely grateful for this most generous gift," said Lee Smith, President and CEO of The Community Foundation for the CSRA. "And, the Foundation is truly honored to be a conduit for Augusta National via grants to deserving not-for-profit organizations in the six counties contiguous to Augusta. These unrestricted dollars will positively impact every culture in our region. The philanthropic tradition of Augusta National is remarkable and this community is genuinely thankful for all they have done and continue to do." Among the local organizations that have recently received funding from The Community Foundation are:

Augusta Housing Authority Child Development Center, Inc. – A grant to provide summer childcare scholarships for low-income families in order for parents to obtain and maintain employment.

Augusta Urban Ministries – A grant to continue and expand the Furniture Bank which provides essential home furnishings to homeless, disabled and low-income families at no cost.

Easter Seals East Georgia, Inc. – A grant to provide individuals with disabilities the services of a job coach to improve their opportunities for getting and keeping a job.

Girl Scouts, CSRA – A grant to provide Girl Scout program activities for girls living in low-income housing authority units.

Hope House, Inc. – A grant to provide a residential Therapeutic Childcare Program designed for newborns, infants, toddlers and children under the age of 13, whose mother is in long-term treatment at Hope House for the disease of addiction.

Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History – A grant to provide Foundations, a program for students throughout the CSRA designed to introduce them to the world of business while developing critical thinking skills needed to be competitive in their field of interest. Others receiving significant contributions are the major golf organizations, The First Tee of Augusta, the Tiger Woods Foundation and the US Golf Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.

"We are pleased that we are able to support these organizations that improve the daily lives of so many people," Johnson said. "In Augusta, and nationally, these funds provide needed help."

Contact:

Tweet

Share

Pin