Impact Through Golf, the charitable foundation of The American Express PGA TOUR tournament, announced at its annual Community Impact Celebration that The Ophelia Project has been named the PGA TOUR’s 2024 Charity of the Year. In addition to the generous donation from Impact Through Golf, the Ophelia Project will receive an additional $30,000 from the PGA TOUR.
Part of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Foundation, The Ophelia Project is a comprehensive, five-year mentoring program that provides a supportive environment, training and education for 400 – 500 girls annually in grades 8 through 12. Volunteer mentors help girls stay in school, develop positive values, increase self-esteem, graduate high school on time with college or career plans, and pursue a brighter future. To date, 7,000+ girls have completed the program, achieving an impressive 100 percent graduation rate.
Peter Sturgeon, president and CEO, JFK Memorial Foundation
“We are truly honored and overwhelmed with gratitude to be selected by the PGA TOUR as its Charity of the Year,” said Peter Sturgeon, president and CEO of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Foundation. “This prestigious honor will enable us to provide vulnerable teenage girls in the Coachella Valley with the mentorship they need to complete high school, pursue higher education and embark on a successful career.”
Each year, Impact Through Golf selects deserving local charities to receive impactful donations from The American Express®. The John F. Kennedy Memorial Foundation is one of 16 charities chosen to receive over $1 million from the 2024 tournament. Since 1960, The American Express® has contributed more than $66 million to Coachella Valley-based nonprofit organizations focused on health and wellness, education, youth and family support, aiding those experiencing homelessness, DEI, and capital improvement.
“To have one of our local nonprofits chosen by the PGA TOUR as its Charity of the Year is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring,” said Frank Marzano, Chairman of the Impact Through Golf Foundation. “The Ophelia Project has made a significant impact on this community through its efforts to empower and support young girls, and this national recognition validates the importance of its work here in the Coachella Valley.”
Ophelia girls assisting the city of La Quinta on Veterans Day
For more information about The Ophelia Project, visit https://jfkfoundation.org/.
The 66th edition of The American Express will take place January 13-19, 2025, at PGA WEST’s Pete Dye Stadium Course (host course), Nicklaus Tournament Course, and La Quinta Country Club. Tickets are now on sale at the tournament’s official website, www.theamexgolf.com/.
