MOLINE, Illinois (April 2, 2007) – The John Deere Classic Birdies for Charity program will attempt to raise $3 million on behalf of its participating charities in 2007, program leaders announced today.
"Our goal for 2007 is for the Birdies for Charity program to raise $3 million for our 500 participating charities," said Kristy Ketcham, director of the Birdies for Charity program. "Thanks to John Deere, which underwrites the Birdies program, we are able to give 100 percent of each donation directly to the donor’s designated charity. And thanks to Buick, the person who guesses the exact number of birdies recorded this year will win a new Buick Enclave."
This year, the John Deere Classic will introduce the new Birdies for Charity Fund, which will provide an annual 10 percent bonus match to every charity that participates in the program. The Birdies for Charity Fund will be made up of dollars from tournament revenues, individual donors, and the support of corporations through a new "Charity Partner" Program.
"Through the Birdies for Charity Fund, a charity that raises $5,000 through individual donations would receive a 10 percent bonus of $500," Ketcham said.
The announcement will be made officially at a news conference scheduled for 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 4 at The Mark of the Quad Cities in downtown Moline, where the organization will formally kick off the annual fundraising drive. Charities may pick up their fundraising materials at The Mark from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday.
Any charity wishing to participate in the Birdies program may sign up online at www.birdiesforcharity.com. New participants are encouraged to attend an informational meeting to learn more about the fundraising program.
This year’s Birdies for Charity informational meeting schedule is as follows:
Moline 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 4 at The Mark of the Quad Cities
Dubuque 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 10 at Mt. St. Francis, 3390 Windsor Ave.
Galesburg 1 p.m. Friday, April 13 at Prarieland Hospice Foundation, 1640 N. Henderson St.
Rockford 11 a.m. Thursday, April 12 at the Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 W. State St.
Iowa City 10 a.m. Monday, April 9 at University of Iowa Community Credit Union, 825
Mormon Trek Blvd.
Sign-up for informational meetings also may be done online at www.birdiesforcharity.com.
In 2006, the John Deere Classic raised a record $3.9 million for charity, with just under $3 million coming from the Birdies program, according to Ketcham.
Under the Birdies for Charity program, individuals or corporations pledge a minimum of one cent per birdie made during the Wednesday pro-am and all four tournament rounds of the John Deere Classic, including playoffs, to the charity or charities of the donors choice. At the conclusion of the tournament, the total number of birdies is calculated and the Birdies office sends invoices to donors. Donors remit their checks to the Birdies office, which then distributes 100 percent of the donations directly to the designated charities.
In 2006, the tournament’s sixth year at the Tournament Players Club at Deere Run, 1,974 birdies were recorded, meaning that someone who pledged one cent per birdie to a charity would contribute $19.74 to that charity. Many contributors donate to more than one charity.
As noted above, Buick will give away a new Buick Enclave to the person who correctly guesses the exact number of birdies made during the tournament. If more than one person guesses the correct number, a random drawing will be held to decide the winner. Buick is the Official Vehicle of the John Deere Classic and is the Official Car of the PGA TOUR.
In 2006, Ed Irwin of Bettendorf, Ia. won the grand prize, a Buick Lucerne.
Founded in 1993, the John Deere Classic Birdies for Charity is a 501(c)3, which has helped raise $12 million since its inception.
Contact:
Kristy Ketcham
Director, Birdies for Charity
309-762-4653
Barry Cronin
Cronin Communications, Inc.
847-698-1801
