Who’s going to win? Charities have already won
In its final year, the 84 Lumber Classic has attracted 84 charity partners who sold advance tickets in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and Maryland for the PGA tournament that is being held through Sunday at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa in Farmington. And while counting was continuing when the Herald-Standard contacted officials, charity and volunteer coordinator Zelma Kassimer said, “I know they sold over 58,000 and we’re hoping to hit 60,000.’
If ticket sales hit 60,000, Kassimer reported the charities will have earned themselves a minimum of $750,000.
“We’re pleased,’ she said. “I think people just don’t realize this whole tournament is basically a charitable event. And the money has already gone to the charities.’
The Advance Charity Ticket program operated this year from January through the end of August, permitting charities to sell tournament tickets at a discount. Instead of $25 retail at the gate, charities were permitted to sell advance tickets for $15 each or four tickets for $50.
Charities received 100 percent of these proceeds and the tickets are good Thursday through Sunday of the tournament. In addition to the tournament rounds, the charity tickets also provide admission to concerts at the tournament on Friday and Saturday evenings.
There were three levels of participation for charities this year, based on ticket sales and volunteers who are working the tournament:
The Hole-in-One Club involved sales of 1,500 tickets or more and the charity commits to providing 10 new tournament volunteers. For doing this and having 30 percent of their tickets redeemed, the charity receives an additional $5 per ticket redeemed after the tournament.
Eagle Club involves charities that sell between 500 and 1,500 and provide five new volunteers. For doing this and having 30 percent of their tickets redeemed, they will receive an additional $4 per ticket redeemed after the tournament.
Birdie Club involved sales up to 500. They were asked to sell a minimum of 100 tickets to get redemption money. There’s no volunteer requirement. If they sell a minimum of 100 tickets and have a 30 percent redemption rate, they will receive $2 per ticket redeemed.
Ticket sales by the charities were originally scheduled to end July 31. But when it was announced this is the last year for the 84 Lumber Classic, the program deadline was extended through Aug. 31.
“When the announcement came that this was the last year, the decision was made to allow the charities to make as much money as they could,’ said Kassimer.
In addition, she noted this year the concert acts were announced late and that a lot of charities rely on the concerts to sell tickets. This year’s concerts feature Clint Black and the PovertyNeck Hillbillies on Friday and Black Eyed Peas on Saturday.
The scope of the participating charities is amazing.
Kassimer said, “I would say they came from the eastern panhandle of West Virginia to Huntington, W.Va., to Steubenville, Ohio, to Cumberland, Md.’
Cassey Bowden, director of resource development and marketing for the United Way of The River Cities in Huntington, W.Va., said it’s about a 41/2- hour drive to the 84 Lumber Classic from there but the organization sold more than 300 tickets.
“Nemacolin itself is a wonderful resort and a great draw. Of course, the tournament is another draw and for some family members, the concerts are a draw,’ said Bowden.
The River Cities learned about the 84 Lumber Classic opportunity through the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley. Bowden said that United Way agencies throughout West Virginia work closely together. The River Cities didn’t begin selling tickets until mid- to late-May.
Asked who bought the tickets, Bowden said, “Everyone. We have a good relationship with our media partners and they were able to help us publicize it to everyone. People are really excited to hear that Michelle Wie will be there. Other people came in and said ‘We heard Black Eyed Peas is coming. Can we get tickets?”
Bowden said the River Cities will place funds from the 84 Lumber Classic into the United Way Community Fund, a pool to provide services to its partner agencies and collaboration efforts.
She commented, “It’s really an exciting event and we’re thankful to 84 Lumber and all they do to make this available.’
Meanwhile, the Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society proved the top ticket seller for charities once again, selling more than 20,000 tickets.
Uniontown resident George Omiros, who is executive director of the chapter, said, “It was a tremendous opportunity for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
“We’re most pleased to be a part of the 84 Lumber Classic. The generosity of Joe Hardy and Maggie Hardy Magerko has been phenomenal.’
Omiros said the funds generated from the sale of tickets go directly to research for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
Talking about the final year of the tournament, Omiros said, “Not only will we miss the tournament but the funds and generosity of the Hardys made a tremendous impact on our research and patient program and we’re hoping the public will continue to support us.’
The Community Foundation of Fayette County took second place in ticket sales again, selling almost 12,000 tickets.
“The 84 Lumber Classic has been a tremendous asset to us,’ said Clara Pascoe, executive director. “It’s very important to the community.’
Bob Garrett, director of marketing for the Community Foundation, said, “We’ve very fortunate to have been involved as a charity partner from the beginning.’
The Community Foundation puts the funds back into the community, such as its program to award grants to non-profits groups in Fayette County.
They are invited to apply for grants up to $5,000. Application deadlines are March 1 and Sept. 1. Garrett said the foundation received more than 40 requests in the recent grant application process and will announce grant awards in early October.
Past examples have included awarding $2,500 to the East End United Community Center Inc. in Uniontown to continue operating the after-school and summer enrichment programs; $2,500 to the Fayette County Fair for their project of replacing bleachers in the Outdoor Arena; $5,000 to Fayette Progress Council to maintain the streetscape in Uniontown and maintain Storey Square; $1,000 to Grindstone Community Volunteer Fire Department to enhance its community ball field by building dugouts and safe bleacher-style seating around the field, and $4,500 to Wharton Township Park for renovating and expanding outdoor tennis and basketball courts.
“We can’t thank the Hardys enough,’ said Garrett. “The tournament gives everyone a boost.’