LA QUINTA, CA (December 12, 2024) – Impact Through Golf, The American Express® golf tournament’s charitable foundation, 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 300 to 400 girls annually in grades 8 through 12. Volunteer mentors help girls stay in school, develop positive values, increase self-esteem, graduate on time with college or career plans, and pursue paths to a brighter future. Originally based in Erie, PA, the Ophelia Project’s Palm Desert, CA, location has served as its national headquarters since 2014. To date, 5,400 girls have completed the program, achieving an impressive 100 percent graduation rate. Building on this growth and success, Peter Sturgeon, President and CEO of The Ophelia project, was also selected this year to participate in the 2024 American Express Leadership Academy for nonprofit leaders who are changemakers in their sector and have the potential to innovate and enhance their organization’s work.
“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 Ophelia Project. “This prestigious honor, combined with the significant donation from The American Express’s Impact Through Golf Foundation and the valuable insights I took away from the Amex Leadership Academy, will enable Ophelia to grow and scale our work to provide deserving 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 Ophelia Project is one of 16 charities that were chosen to receive a share of 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. “When the Board and I met with some of the young women The Ophelia Project has supported, we were moved by their stories of resilience and success as a result of their mentorship experience. 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.”
For more information about The Ophelia Project, visit https://desertcharities.com/listing/the-ophelia-project.html
The 66th edition of The American Express® will take place January 13-19, 2025 at PGA WEST’s Pete Dye Stadium Course (host course) and Nicklaus Tournament Course, as well as La Quinta Country Club. Tickets are now on sale at the tournament’s official website, www.theamexgolf.com/.
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