John Deere Classic Birdies for Charity Program Kicks Off 2016 Fundraising Drive
Lexus of the Quad Cities to Provide 2016 Lexus NX to One Lucky Winner
The John Deere Classic’s Birdies for Charity program today officially kicked off its annual drive to help raise donations for some 500 area charities, at the John Deere World Headquarters.
The organization also announced that Lexus of the Quad Cities will continue as its automotive partner. Lexus of the Quad Cities will provide a free two-year lease of a 2016 Lexus NX to one person who guesses the exact number of birdies recorded at this year’s John Deere Classic, August 8-14, at TPC Deere Run in Silvis.
Lexus also will furnish the tournament with courtesy cars for PGA TOUR players during the week of the tournament.
“We are excited to start another cycle of the annual John Deere Classic charity miracle in which the smallest market on the PGA TOUR produces the highest per capita charitable donations on TOUR,” said John Deere Classic tournament director Clair Peterson.
“We also are pleased to have Lexus of the Quad Cities as our automotive partner again this year,” Peterson said. “The offer of a two-year lease of a 2016 Lexus NX will provide a great incentive to motivate people to donate through the Birdies for Charity program. And we know the pros are going to love driving a Lexus during tournament week.”
Following the news conference, charities picked up fundraising materials at the John Deere Headquarters display floor. Materials also will be available at other locations in and around the Quad Cities. Pledge Card Pickup details can be found at www.birdiesforcharity.com.
In 2015, the John Deere Classic generated $8.7 million for its participating charities. Since the inception of the Birdies program in 1971, the tournament has helped raise charitable donations of more than $71 million.
"Our charities, both small and large, continue to provide much-needed services and benefits to the communities they serve," said Kristy Ketcham Jackson, director of Birdies for Charity. "Their work is vital to the health and spirit of the individuals and families who reside in and around the greater Quad Cities area.”
The John Deere Foundation again will match all donations up to $325,000 made directly by individuals or businesses to the Birdies for Charity Bonus Fund. The Bonus Fund is made up of tournament profits and direct donations. The amount in the fund determines the bonus percentage, which is distributed proportionately to all participating charities, and is over and above the donation and pledge dollars charities receive. Last year’s Bonus was 10 percent, well above the promised five percent.
"The John Deere Classic Birdies for Charity Program continues to be an extremely powerful and cost-effective way for tournament area non-profit organizations to maximize their fundraising efforts," said Ketcham Jackson. "Thanks to John Deere's ongoing sponsorship of the John Deere Classic and Birdies for Charity, 100 percent of the money pledged - plus a bonus - is returned back to each participating non-profit entity."
Charitable funds raised by the John Deere Classic come from two sources: Birdies for Charity pledges and tournament profits.
"John Deere's continued commitment to the community through its sponsorship of the John Deere Classic and Birdies for Charity is an example of its premier corporate citizenship," Ketcham Jackson added.
This year, one person who guesses the exact number of birdies recorded during the Wednesday pro-am and the four tournament rounds will win a free two-year lease on 2016 Lexus NX donated by Lexus of the Quad Cities. If more than one person guesses the exact number of birdies, the winner will be determined by a random drawing from among those who guessed correctly.