Golf event to benefit Folds of Honor Foundation for military families
MEDINAH, ILL. – March 22, 2010 – The Folds of Honor Foundation announced today that it is partnering with Medinah Country Club, host of the 2012 Ryder Cup, as the venue for its July 8 Patriot Golf Day. The fundraiser will benefit the Folds of Honor Foundation whose mission is to provide post-secondary educational scholarships for children and spouses of service men and women killed or disabled while serving in the U.S Armed Forces.
“This is a chance for all citizens to serve their country by helping those who have served us so honorably. In short, the Folds of Honor program provides an opportunity to serve those that have served you,” said executive sponsor and Illinois organizing director Mark Slaby of the Slaby Foundation. “We all need to take personal responsibility to ensure a brighter future by meeting the educational needs of our veterans’ families considering the enormous sacrifice they have made for our country.”
Folds of Honor was founded by Major Dan Rooney, an F-16 pilot with the Oklahoma Air National Guard and a PGA Professional and USGA member, who has been passionate in his efforts to fill the gap left when a soldier can no longer provide for his or her family and education is one of the benefits that cannot be met.
Following are statistics related to the issue, according to Folds of Honor Foundation:
• Total spouses and dependents of injured and fallen soldiers: 145,000
• 82% of wounded service members’ families do not qualify for educational benefits
• Average cost to fund a four-year college tuition per dependent: $60,852*
In all, more than $7 billion is needed to fund four-year college tuition and expenses for all families currently impacted. Since 2007, Patriot Golf Day has raised more than $5.3 million, awarding scholarships to nearly 1,000 recipients.
What sets apart the inaugural Medinah event from other Patriot Golf Days is that it includes a full schedule of activities focused solely on fundraising efforts including a tournament, entertainment, silent auction, dinner and more to be announced. By planning the event in such a way organizers hope to make a significant monetary impact and serve as a model and inspiration for other high-profile courses to follow suit throughout the country.
“We couldn’t be more excited about what Mark, his team of volunteers and the folks at Medinah are planning for this event,” said Maj. Dan Rooney, founder of Folds of Honor Foundation. “It will mean so much to the families who need it now more than ever that they are putting this type of effort behind such a wonderful day that will help so many people.”
The event is currently seeking corporate sponsors and volunteers. More information can be found on its Web site at www.MedinahPatriotDay.com, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/medinahgolfday and on its official Facebook page.
* – Based on in-state tuition at a public four-year college, according to the 2009 Trends in College Pricing report.
About Medinah Patriot Golf Day
Medinah Patriot Golf Day is a fundraising event taking place July 8, 2010, at Medinah Country Club to benefit Folds of Honor Foundation. The day’s events will include a golf tournament, dinner, silent auction, entertainment and more. For more information, to become a corporate sponsor or to volunteer, visit www.MedinahPatriotDay.com.
About Folds of Honor Foundation
The Folds of Honor Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides post-secondary educational scholarships for children and spouses of military service men and women killed or disabled while serving our great nation. Visit FoldsofHonor.com for more information.
Contact:
Lisa Gunggoll, LG-PR
708.829.8669 mobile
lgunggoll@lg-pr.com