Two-day celebration at The Floridian and Apogee brought together golf legends, philanthropic leaders and supporters to advance the Player Academy of Excellence
Philadelphia, PA — The Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation USA successfully hosted its 2026 Legacy Event on April 26–27, raising significant funds through a gala dinner and auction at The Floridian and a Golf Day at Apogee. The annual event brought together an esteemed group of supporters, including golf icons Gary Player, Bernhard Langer, Nancy Lopez, Corey Conners, and David Marr for a weekend dedicated to creating opportunity for the next generation.
The gala evening at The Floridian served as the centerpiece of the event, featuring an inspiring program, a silent auction, and heartfelt remarks showcasing the Foundation’s mission and newest initiative. Proceeds from the auction directly support the Foundation’s expanding efforts across the United States, including the official launch of the Player Academy of Excellence (PLAE).
The following day, participants gathered at Apogee for a spirited Golf Day, where teams competed alongside legendary players in a celebration of the game and its ability to bring people together for a greater purpose.
“At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to creating real, lasting impact in the lives of young people,” said Amanda Player-Hall, President and Executive Director of the Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation USA. “The launch of the Player Academy of Excellence represents a defining moment for our organization. PLAE is not just a program, it is a pathway. By focusing on health, education and community, we are equipping children with the tools, confidence and resilience they need to shape their own futures. The support we received this week ensures we will start our pilot program in Philadelphia and continue to grow and replicate that impact across the country.”
The Player Academy of Excellence (PLAE) is the Foundation’s flagship initiative in the United States, designed to provide structured, year-round programming that empowers youth through a holistic approach to development. Rooted in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, PLAE integrates mentorship, academic support, wellness education and life skills training to help young people build a strong foundation for long-term success. The program reflects decades of philanthropic work by the Player family, now tailored to meet the needs of communities across the U.S.
“This week has been incredibly special to me,” said Gary Player. “I have always believed that the true measure of success is not what you achieve for yourself, but what you do for others. To see so many people come together with a shared purpose, to give children hope, opportunity and direction, is deeply meaningful. I am proud to see our Foundation growing here in the United States. When we invest in children, we invest in the future of our world.”
For more information about the Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation USA and the Player Academy of Excellence, please visit www.gvpfusa.org.
About The Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation USA
The Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation was established in the United States in 2021 to honor Vivienne Player’s memory and continue the lifelong mission she and Gary shared: to provide vulnerable children with a safe and nurturing environment in which to thrive. After Vivienne’s passing, the Foundation took root in the US as a living tribute to her love and both Gary and Vivienne’s unwavering belief in the power of lifting the next generation.
Gary and Vivienne firmly believed that the cycle of poverty can be broken by giving children access to safe homes, quality education, and essential health care. Today, the Foundation partners with organizations nationwide to turn that belief into reality—building a legacy of compassion and opportunity that embodies the very best of Gary and Vivienne’s values. At its heart, the Foundation is a testament to their love—a love that extends far beyond their own family to embrace the most vulnerable children in our communities.
The Foundation’s mission is to support organizations whose work positively impacts the lives of these vulnerable children. The vision of the Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation is inspired by research which proves that intergenerational poverty can be broken in three key ways – education, health and housing.
Media Contact
Bo Wood, bo@garyjimplayer.com
