U.S. Women’s Open champion’s gift will aid LPGA-USGA Girls Golf programs
PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 20, 2008 – The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Foundation is pleased to announce that 2008 U.S. Women’s Open champion Inbee Park has given $50,000 to The LPGA Foundation in support of LPGA-USGA Girls Golf (Girls Golf).
As Girls Golf prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary, Girls Golf sites around the country will participate in LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Day 2009 Presented by Inbee Park, which invites parents and members of the local community to learn more about their local Girls Golf program. Members are encouraged to bring a friend and activities are designed to provide a day of fun, education and camaraderie for all participants.
“I’m very happy to donate money to help young girls playing golf,” said Park. “I spend about half of my time in the U.S. and I thought I should do something similar to Korea where I have donated clubs and money to elementary school children.”
“We are so proud that the LPGA membership continues to actively donate time and money to worthy causes,” said LPGA Commissioner Carolyn F. Bivens. “Inbee’s donation to The LPGA Foundation in support of LPGA USGA Girls Golf will enable us to expand the program giving more girls the opportunity to learn and enjoy the game.”
Reflecting Park’s wish to help girls with limited financial resources to participate in Girls Golf, a portion of her donation will help to provide golf clubs. The LPGA Foundation and LPGA-USGA Girls Golf will work with the site directors to maximize the club distribution on an as-needed basis.
“This very significant gift from Inbee comes at a perfect time to allow us to continue to expand and promote Girls Golf,” said Pat Browning, executive director of The LPGA Foundation. “Inbee’s generous gift demonstrates her passion for getting more girls into the game and her commitment to ‘giving back’ to the game she loves. As 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of Girls Golf, Inbee’s involvement in LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Day 2009 Presented by Inbee Park, is very special and we are very grateful for her support.”
About Girls Golf
With more than 6,000 members and more than 180 sites around the country, LPGA-USGA Girls Golf (Girls Golf) provides an opportunity for girls, ages 7 to 17, to learn to play golf, build lasting friendships, and experience competition in a fun, supportive environment, preparing them for a lifetime of enjoyment with the game. The only national initiative of its kind, Girls Golf is administered through a partnership between The LPGA Foundation and the USGA, both non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organizations.
About The LPGA Foundation
Established in 1991, The LPGA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to empowering and supporting girls and women united by their passion for golf through educational, humanitarian and developmental initiatives. Key funding priorities include: junior golf programs; scholarships; the Dolores Hope LPGA Financial Assistance Initiative for those in the golf industry; and research and educational activities related to golf instruction. The LPGA Foundation is supported by corporate and private donations, foundation grants and contributions from LPGA members. For more information on how to contribute to The LPGA Foundation, please contact LPGA headquarters, 100 International Golf Drive, Daytona Beach, FL 32124, or by phone, 386.274.6200.
Contact:
Dana Gross-Rhode, LPGA; 386.274.6273, dana.grossrhode@lpga.com
