Nationwide initiative launches at 20 premier Marriott Golf facilities: all proceeds to support PGA HOPE – Helping Our Patriots Everywhere – golf program for military veterans with disabilities
Orlando, Fla., May 18, 2015… Marriott Golf, one of the world’s premier golf operators, today announced the launch of the $1 for HOPE campaign, in support of military veterans nationwide through PGA REACH. The campaign was officially announced on Wednesday, May 13th in conjunction with PGA HOPE Day at Westfields Golf Club in Clifton, VA.
As part of the $1 for HOPE campaign, all golfers/visitors checking in for their tee time and/or making a purchase at the pro shop – at any of 20 participating Marriott Golf resort destinations – will have the opportunity to make a donation, by adding $1 or more, to their fee. All proceeds from this initiative will be used to support and enhance PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) programming nationwide.
The flagship military program of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America, PGA HOPE is designed to introduce golf to veterans with disabilities in order to enhance their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. The HOPE program, led by PGA Professionals, helps veterans assimilate back into their communities through the social interaction the game of golf provides. All PGA HOPE programming is fully funded by PGA REACH, and offered at NO COST for military veterans and their families.
Learning and playing the game of golf is a proven activity that has positively impacted thousands of wounded veterans nationwide, and PGA HOPE is truly making a difference. As many veterans struggle with the transition back into civilian life, golf programming delivers a new level of enjoyment, while PGA Professionals provide expert golf instruction, and encourage the veterans to be more active in their communities. Participants of HOPE programs include military veterans living with a specific set of physical or cognitive challenges such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or the loss of a limb, among other challenges.
“I’ve listened to military veterans describe the difficulty of getting out of bed in the morning, but once they are introduced to golf, they use the game as a platform for inspiration,” said William Nault, Vice President, Marriott Golf. “On Behalf of Marriott International, we are thrilled to support the PGA HOPE initiative, and our collection of Marriott-managed properties in the U.S. is committed to raising funds to support golf programming for our American Heroes.”
Marriott has always valued the service and commitment of veterans who have served the country, and is committed to continue serving them through its hiring, recruitment, programs and partnerships. The company’s ongoing effort to attract and retain the best and brightest talent includes actively recruiting U.S. military veterans to work at Marriott hotels. Marriott has ramped up its outreach to more than 500 military bases around the world and launched a military careers site just for vets at www.marriottvetcareers.com.
Participating courses in the $1 For HOPE campaign represent some of the country’s premier championship venues, including: Wildfire Golf Club, Phoenix, Ariz.; Camelback Golf Club, Scottsdale, Ariz.; Starr Pass Country Club, Tucson, Ariz.; Desert Springs Golf Resort, Palm Desert, Calif.; Shadow Ridge Golf Club, Palm Desert, Calif.; Grande Vista Golf Club, Orlando, Fla.; Hawk’s Landing Golf Club, Orlando, Fla.; Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Grande Lakes, Orlando, Fla.; The Rookery at Marco, Naples, Fla.; Renaissance Vinoy Golf Club, St. Petersburg, Fla.; Ritz-Carlton Members Club, Sarasota, Fla.; Stone Mountain Golf Club, Stone Mountain, Ga.; Crane’s Landing Golf Club, Lincolnshire, Ill.; Toftrees Golf Club, State College, Pa.; Cattails Golf Club, Kingsport, Tenn.; and Westfields Golf Club, Clifton, Va.
Adds Nault, “The $1 For HOPE campaign is a wonderful initiative that can engage golfers across the country in better understanding the HOPE program and directly supporting the unwavering commitment put forth by veterans who served our country so faithfully.”
For more information on the $1 for HOPE campaign and additional military programming at Marriott Golf facilities, please visit www.MarriottGolf.com. For more information on PGA HOPE Programming, please visit www.pgareach.com.
About Marriott Golf
Marriott Golf manages 50 golf courses at 37 locations in 11 countries, offering nearly 1,000 holes of championship golf for seven Marriott International lodging brands. Marriott has been managing golf operations since 1970 and is one of the world’s premier golf operators. Marriott provides golf management and consulting services to a variety of operational environments including resort, private club, daily fee, golf school and franchises. For more information, visit www.marriottgolf.com.
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