The Principal Charity Classic Announces a Record Amount Raised for Charity
Aug. 28, 2012
The 2012 Principal Charity Classic will donate a record $917,729 to local children's charities - and in 2013, the world-class golf and community event will be hosted by Wakonda Club in Des Moines, Iowa. The annual PGA TOUR's Champions Tour tournament is sponsored by the Principal Financial Group||special174|| and presented by Wells Fargo.
"The 2012 tournament was record breaking in many ways. Thanks to the incredible support of all those involved,
the charitable impact of The Principal Charity Classic has been taken to new levels, benefiting our most valuable asset -our kids," said Larry Zimpleman, chairman, president and CEO, The Principal||special174||.
Over the last six years, The Principal Charity Classic, the only Champions Tour event in Iowa, has distributed
over $4 million for local children's charities, funding efforts that have benefited thousands of children in Central Iowa.
The Principal Charity Classic will call Wakonda Club home in 2013-15. The Principal announced the renewal of
its title sponsorship of the tournament through 2015.
"We're eager to bring The Principal Charity Classic to the heart of our city and showcase downtown Des Moines
to a national audience," said Mary O'Keefe, chair of The Principal Charity Classic and senior vice president, The
Principal. "Above all, we're honored to partner with Wakonda Club to bring Champions Tour golfers to one of Iowa's most legendary golf courses."
"The members and staff of Wakonda Club look forward to the tee off of The 2013 Principal Charity Classic, where we'll have the opportunity to host one of the strongest fields on the Champions Tour and showcase our historic golf course to more than 75,000 fans," said Jim Adrianse, president of the Wakonda Club Board of Directors.
Donations from the 2012 tournament will be distributed to five "FORE Our Kids" charities, as well as 92 Birdies
for Charity organizations.
The five "FORE Our Kids" charities are:
- Blank Children's Hospital
- Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines (tournament host organization)
- United Way of Central Iowa
- Variety-the Children's Charity of Iowa
According to the PGA, The Principal Charity Classic is among the top two of all Champions Tour events in terms
of tournament generated proceeds raised for charity.
In addition to benefitting local charities, the PGA TOUR and an Iowa State University study estimate the
tournament generates an economic impact of $20.8 million annually for the region, including increased business for area hotels, restaurants, shopping establishments and other entertainment venues. The event also showcases Des Moines to a national television audience and to more than 80 PGA Champions Tour golfers.