THE PLAYERS continues its tradition of highlighting a different local nonprofit each day of the tournament. Here’s a look at this year’s Charities of the Day.
Blue Star Families (Tuesday, March 7)
Blue Star Families was founded in 2009 by military spouses. It connects military families to civilian neighbors and organizations to create strong communities of support. The organization helps in a variety of ways, connecting families to resources in job and career training, family care and support and more.
“Blue Star Families Jacksonville is grateful to be Riley Green's charity of choice in coordination with the TPC,” said Chapter Director Wendy Layton. “Blue Star Families' mission is to strengthen military families by connecting them with their neighbors and create vibrant communities of mutual support. Blue Star Families provides Jacksonville a way to show our military, their families and our veteran community how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice. This generous gift will fund BSF's local programming and help military-connected families thrive.”
In 2022, Blue Star Families hosted 132 local events free of charge, including movie nights, outdoor hiking and history, Jaguars games, Jumbo Shrimp games, baby showers and Starbucks coffee connections, to name a few.
Learn more at bluestarfam.org.
THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health (Wednesday, March 8)
Established in 2011 with a $1 million gift, THE PLAYERS Center for Child Health at Wolfson Children’s Hospital promotes safe and healthy childhoods for kids in Northeast Florida. Areas of focus include access to health care, education programs, child safety and injury prevention, health and wellness and legislative advocacy.
Learn more at wolfsonchildrens.com/about/child-advocacy.
Edward Waters University Women’s Golf Program (Thursday, March 9)
Located in Jacksonville, Edward Waters University is one of only two historically black universities in Florida to offer a dedicated women’s golf program. The program was launched in 2007 but had to be discontinued in 2015 due to budgetary challenges. Golf was reinstated in 2021 with a $50,000 donation from THE PLAYERS. The grant helps the university fund student-athlete scholarships and operational expenses.
"We are beyond excited for Edward Waters University Women’s Golf to be selected as THE PLAYERS Championship Charity of the Day by Grant Thornton,” said Dr. Ivana Rich, associate vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics. “The support received through this initiative will assist EWU in continuing to provide a holistic student-athlete experience while supporting the growth of our blooming women’s golf program. We are so thankful for continued support of The PLAYERS Championship and its incredible leadership team."
The women's golf program is competing in its inaugural season under the leadership of Coach Kelly Allen, former Benedict College men's golf standout and Jacksonville native. This season the team will complete a modified schedule, which includes the Jim Thorpe Invitational, Women in Golf Foundation Championship and the PGA Works Championship.
Learn more at ewutigerpride.com/sports/womens-golf
Active Minds (Friday, March 10)
Incorporated in 2003, Active Minds seeks to change the way mental health is talked about, giving young people the support and encouragement they need to reduce the stigma. The national organization uses education, research and advocacy to effect change. It employs initiatives to help students in kindergarten through grade 12, as well as young adults.
Learn more at activeminds.org.
Nemours Children’s Health (Saturday, March 11)
Nemours is a large integrated pediatric health system that cares for about 480,000 children each year. It has two freestanding children’s hospitals and addresses a host of health issues. Beyond medical care, Nemours employs advocacy, education and prevention. In October, THE PLAYERS announced that it would match up to $2 million in donations to help in the redesign and expansion of Nemours Children’s Health Jacksonville’s center for cancer and blood disorders.
“We are honored to have been chosen as Saturday’s Charity of the Day,” said Nemours Children’s Health President and CEO, R. Lawrence Moss, MD. “We are grateful to THE PLAYERS for their ongoing collaboration and generosity, and commitment to our community’s children.”
Learn more at nemours.org.
First Tee (Sunday, March 12)
First Tee was launched in 1997 as a means to make golf affordable and accessible to all kids. It integrates the sport with life skills curriculum, helping the kids to build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience. First Tee is a partner with the PGA TOUR.
“As a nonprofit in North Florida, our No. 1 goal is making a difference in the lives of the children and setting them up for the journey we call life,” said Jeff Willoughby, executive director for First Tee — North Florida. “Whether it is learning how to deal with challenges or setting goals to accomplish their dreams, we want all children to know they have a path towards being a leader in their community.
“THE PLAYERS, Proud Partners, and many other organizations work just as hard as we do to give back and make a difference. Being selected as one of the charities of the day simply helps showcase the work we do in our community and brings awareness to some that may not know the work that we do. Morgan Stanley not only believes in the work that we do, but they invest in helping us grow our mission. We can’t thank them enough and the return on investment is the children, our leaders of tomorrow!”
#BuildingGameChangers
Learn more at firsttee.org.
