partner snapshot

Community Food Hub, formerly Rancho Cordova Food Locker, in Rancho Cordova, California is working to reshape how food assistance looks and feels in its community. It started with changing the mindset and process of how people facing food insecurity in the community receive food and supportive services. The shift to a “People’s Choice” model necessitated an expansion of both space and programs, including a grocery-store-style food pantry and wraparound services like nutrition classes, job search support, diaper supplies, and bike servicing to help individuals and families thrive.

Community Food Hub in Rancho Cordova, California serves more than 1,500 families a week, three times as many as it served last year.

Serving more than 1,500 families each week, Community Food Hub also offers programs for seniors, students, veterans, and neurodiverse volunteers. “People don’t walk in the door excited to be there, so we greet them with smiles and hugs if they need it,” says Debbie Holden, Vice President of Expansion and Development at Community Food Hub.

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“Almost 80% of the population we serve are working poor and families, and 20% are seniors with fixed incomes.”

— Debbie Holden, Vice President of Expansion and Development at Community Food Hub

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With the support of the City of Rancho Cordova, local businesses, organizations, and volunteers, the organization is expanding into a new 6,600-square-foot facility that will transform a once-blighted property into a vibrant resource for the community. “We’re so grateful for the community’s support. It’s going to change the neighborhood in the best way,” Debbie says.

the challenge

In 2024, a leadership class sponsored by the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce launched the FORE! Feeding Families Golf Tournament as a class project to raise funds for the Community Food Hub.

But once the class ended, sustaining the golf event fell mostly to Debbie, along with a small group of staff and volunteers. The goal for the event’s second year was ambitious: to increase the previous year’s proceeds by $5,000 or more to help them purchase a refrigerated truck as part of the Community Food Hub’s food recovery efforts.

With a small planning team and the need to grow the tournament’s financial impact, Debbie needed tools and support to help her pull it all off.

The FORE! Feeding Families golf tournament grew out of a leadership class sponsored by the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce.

the solution

Carrie Johnson, Community Food Hub’s Executive Director, had received emails about GolfStatus, which were forwarded to Debbie as she embarked on planning. “I’m not a halfway person,” Debbie explains. “I needed all the resources I could get to help.” She connected with the GolfStatus team and liked what she heard about the platform’s potential for time savings and revenue generation. “After talking with GolfStatus, I said to myself, ‘This couldn’t be bad,’” Debbie says.

As a nonprofit entity, Community Food Locker qualified to use GolfStatus at no upfront cost through the Golf for Good program. With support from GolfStatus’ team, including hands-on guidance from on-staff PGA Professionals and quick responses to questions, Debbie was able to confidently manage everything in one place: registrations, sponsorships, team pairings, and more.

For Debbie, who describes herself as “not a techie person,” GolfStatus provided a user-friendly, one-stop shop for the FORE! Feeding Families event. “It wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be,” she says. “I wanted to make the tournament as fun as possible for golfers and raise funds, and GolfStatus helped keep me organized.”

The pin flags gave the tournament a professional feel. The flags included the sponsor logo on one side and the Community Food Hub on the other.

the results

FORE! Feeding Families exceeded expectations on every front. With 88 golfers and 24 sponsors, the event raised nearly $50,000. These funds will go a long way toward the purchase of a refrigerated food truck, which will be used to recover fresh food from local grocery stores and ensure thousands of families have access to nutritious food.

In addition to raising critical funds, the tournament helped strengthen community ties. Local officials, corporate partners, and business leaders came out in full support, positioning Rancho Cordova Food Locker/Community Food Hub as a cornerstone of the Rancho Cordova Community. Golfers and sponsors alike walked away impressed by the tournament's professional feel, smooth execution, and connection to the mission.

The tournament’s website made it easy to register teams, sell sponsorships, and provide digital sponsor exposure.

technology boosts efficiency & professionalism

A key factor in the tournament’s success was GolfStatus, which provided a streamlined, all-in-one platform to plan and execute the tournament:

• Online Registration. Golfers and sponsors registered and paid on the tournament’s website, which saved Debbie time and cut down on the need to manage emailed names and check payments.

• Sponsor Exposure. Sponsors earned digital exposure as soon as they purchased their packages on the event website, giving supporters the recognition they deserved and elevating the tournament’s professional feel.

• Custom Pin Flags. The pin flags provided by GolfStatus blew Debbie, the sponsor, and even the golf course staff away. The flags included the sponsor logo on one side and the Community Food Hub on the other.

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“The pin flags were unbelievable! It made it feel like we were at a pro tournament,”

— Debbie Holden, Vice President of Expansion and Development at Community Food Hub.

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• Backend Management. Debbie could instantly get a clear view of registrations, sponsorships, and payments in the software’s backend, helping her stay organized throughout the planning process.

• Responsive Support. GolfStatus’ in-house support team was there every step of the way. Debbie says the team was super responsive and provided easy-to-understand answers to her questions. “They encouraged me and cheered me on,” says Debbie.

• Revenue Boosters. Along with pin flags, the tournament sold GolfStatus’ exclusive Technology Sponsorship and utilized its hole-in-one contest offering to drive additional revenue.

confidence for the future

The community's need for the Community Food Hub’s support and services has grown exponentially over the past several years, with the organization serving nearly three times as many households as it did just a year ago. “Every dollar counts,” says Debbie, explaining that the golf tournament helps bring in mission-critical funds. The Food Locker’s new facility, along with the refrigerated truck, will help even more people facing food insecurity in Rancho Cordova.

Using GolfStatus helped lay a solid foundation for the tournament’s future. Debbie came away with new confidence, valuable lessons learned, and a clear vision for how to grow the tournament in the coming years. “Once you see the end results, you know what you need to do to get there,” Debbie says.

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“Now that I’ve planned the tournament from A to Z, I can set the groundwork for the next tournament, which will include GolfStatus.”

— Debbie Holden, Vice President of Expansion and Development at Community Food Hub.

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golf for good with golfstatus

GolfStatus powers charity golf tournaments and fundraisers of all types, sizes, and formats. Through the Golf for Good program, nonprofits like the Community Food Hub can qualify for access to GolfStatus’ tournament management software at no upfront cost. Nonprofits get a free event website, golf event-specific tools and solutions, revenue-boosting sponsorships and tournament add-ons, a responsive support team (including consultations with Fundraising Specialists), and much more. Start your tournament management journey by booking a meeting with the GolfStatus team today!

Lincoln, NE (August 27, 2025) - GolfStatus, the leading golf event management platform for charity golf tournaments and fundraisers, is excited to announce the release of a new Drive Impact video, spotlighting the success and heart behind Project Purple’s Annual Charity Golf Classic for Pancreatic Cancer. The video captures the meaningful connections, community support, and dedication to the mission that have made the event a key fundraiser in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

Now available on YouTube, the two-minute video offers a look at how Project Purple uses golf to drive awareness and raise critical funds for pancreatic research and patient support. It also highlights how GolfStatus’ event management technology has helped streamline the tournament’s logistics, simplify operations, and support the event’s growth over the past few years.

“When you start an event like a golf tournament, you don’t know how successful it will become. Our golf event has grown over the years,” says Dino Verelli, Founder and CEO at Project Purple. “We started off very small and thanks to our supporters and GolfStatus, it’s become a keystone event within our community.”

The video also features a highlight of the annual Golf Classic: Project Purple’s unique Hall of Fame ceremony, which honors and celebrates those who have battled pancreatic cancer.

“Project Purple’s tournament is a powerful example of how golf fundraisers connect communities to causes that matter,” says Ashley Stahr, Chief Marketing Officer at GolfStatus. “GolfStatus is proud to be a small part of their journey and help them drive impact year after year.

For the third year, Project Purple partnered with GolfStatus to power their golf fundraiser, leveraging GolfStatus’ golf event management software to streamline planning, offer new sponsorships, and drive revenue. As a nonprofit, Project Purple qualified for no-cost access to the platform through GolfStatus’ Golf for Good program.

Learn more about Project Purple: https://www.projectpurple.org/

Learn more about GolfStatus: https://golfstatus.com/

About GolfStatus

GolfStatus helps nonprofits leverage the giving power of golf to raise more dollars, engage supporters, and do more good. Its robust golf event management platform streamlines golf tournaments from start to finish to save time and enhance the overall event experience for golfers, sponsors, and golf facilities. GolfStatus combines powerful technology with practical golf fundraising resources and industry-leading support to make charity golf tournaments easy, approachable, and efficient for organizations of all types and sizes. Visit golfstatus.com.

About Project Purple

Project Purple is a non-profit organization empowering the fight against pancreatic cancer. The organization’s unwavering commitment is fueled by the pursuit of raising awareness, driving crucial research, and providing aid for patients who are battling this disease. Since Project Purple’s founding in 2010, it’s been leading the charge, pioneering advancements, and bringing hope to those affected by pancreatic cancer. Visit projectpurple.org.

partner snapshot

In 2010, when Joe Merry was facing a long battle with cancer, his good friends Jacob Ferreira and James Fahey wanted to help. They organized a golf fundraiser to help cover his expenses while he was unable to work during cancer treatment, enabling him to focus solely on getting healthy during his recovery.

Hope Strengthens Foundation founders, from left: James Fahey, Joe Merry, and Jacob Ferreira.

While Joe went into remission and is cancer-free, Jacob and James realized that there was a pressing need for this type of help and support, and that their efforts were scalable. Hope Strengthens Foundation (HSF) was born out of Joe’s strength and courage and the desire to “do what we can to help people,” Jacob says.

They made a long-term commitment and strategy to provide the same support given to Joe to as many other people in need as possible. HSF’s mission is to provide critical financial support to individuals and families facing life-threatening illness, disability, or recovery from traumatic injuries.

the challenge

What was initially a one-off event evolved into a signature fundraiser for HSF to provide financial assistance for medical expenses, equipment purchases, travel costs, and other expenses, as well as scholarship programs to support students in need who are pursuing careers in healthcare. “We serve 50 to 100 families on an annual basis, primarily in New England, but have helped patients in 15 states,” Jacob says.

As the golf tournament grew, so did the complexity of managing its planning and execution. Manually collecting and managing team registrations, sponsorships, and donations placed a heavy administrative burden on Jacob and his team of volunteers. They needed a purpose-built solution for golf tournaments, one that would reduce the time spent on logistics and allow them to focus on what matters most: meeting urgent patient needs.

A dedicated event website made it simple to promote the tournament, register golfers, and sell sponsorships.

the solution

After researching donation platforms and event management tools, Jacob discovered GolfStatus. After watching a GolfStatus webinar and seeing a live demo, he was sold. “It was immediately clear that GolfStatus was built exactly for what we needed,” Jacob says. “The transition and onboarding were smooth, and it gave us everything in one place.”

HSF came on board with GolfStatus in 2022 to help:

• Automate team and individual registrations. Jacob says online registration has been a game-changer for the tournament, collecting information and payment in one easy step without any manual lift.

• Sell sponsorship packages and provide digital exposure. Sponsors could purchase their packages via the dedicated tournament website and upload logos and links, giving them instant exposure.

• Streamline planning. Jacob says, “The administrative lift before GolfStatus was so much higher. It’s easier now to just push the link out to our networks and let the registrations roll in.”

• Boost revenue with new sponsorships and add-ons. HSF leveraged GolfStatus’ exclusive Technology Sponsorship, pin flags, and hole-in-one insurance to round out its premium sponsorship offerings. They also received a donated Dormie Network Stay and Play package from the Dormie Network Foundation, which was included in the tournament’s live auction.

Hope Strengthens Foundation utilized GolfStatus’ branded pin flags offering.

GolfStatus became an essential planning partner for the golf outing, while backend support and customer service made the process even more seamless.

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“The GolfStatus platform is exceptional, and the people behind it are just as exceptional.”

— Jacob Ferreira, Executive Director at Hope Strengthens Foundation

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the results

The 2025 tournament marked its 13th year, raising over $56,000, which can immediately be put to use helping patients with care expenses. This take represents a 15% increase in sponsor revenue year-over-year, and the tournament continues to trend upwards in both turnout and dollars raised, due in part to GolfStatus’ solutions over the past few tournaments.

Jacob explains that the golf fundraiser, held each May, gets HSF through the first third of the year, which is mostly spent fundraising. “The golf tournament is a major pillar of our fundraising,” he says. His planning team is made up of about 10 volunteers who all love golf and love the sport’s ability to connect people and bring them together for an important cause.

The golf tournament is more than a fundraiser, it’s an opportunity for the community to connect around a cause and support patients.

more than a fundraiser

HSF’s golf tournament isn’t just a fundraiser; it’s a community gathering grounded in friendship, service, and impact. The field of golfers and sponsors typically return year after year and have evolved into regular donors to the Foundation.

By freeing up time, increasing efficiency, and supporting meaningful donor and participant engagement before, during, and after the tournament, GolfStatus lets Jacob and the volunteer planning team focus on enhancing the tournament experience each year. “Yes, the golf fundraiser is important for our mission, but the mission doesn’t happen without our supporters. A great experience is another way we can say thank you.” From a post-golf live auction led by NHL Hall of Famer Ray Bourque to a silent auction and heartfelt beneficiary stories, every detail of the tournament is intended to give participants the best possible memories of the event.

NHL Hall of Famer Ray Borque serves as the auctioneer at the post-round live auction.

What’s next?

Jacob says they’re always thinking about the tournament’s growth, but don’t want to dilute the player experience. They’re exploring adding a second course to double the number of golfers, but are being strategic so they don’t sacrifice the quality that participants have come to expect. The growth plan includes GolfStatus to continue to boost efficiency and drive revenue.

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“Our partnership with GolfStatus has been instrumental in the tournament’s success. We can’t do it without the tech and expertise that lets us focus on our mission.”

— Jacob Ferreira, Executive Director at Hope Strengthens Foundation

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From a mission standpoint, HSF will continue to strengthen its partnerships with area medical facilities’ patient service programs, including the Dana Farber Cancer Institute Pediatric Resource Program, Massachusetts General Cancer Center, and Home Base Veteran and Family Care in Massachusetts and Mass General Cancer Center at Wentworth Douglass Hospital in New Hampshire. Each hospital has a fund, subsidized by HSF, that supports patient needs identified by their care teams.

“Our goal is to quickly address the needs of these patients and families so they can focus on getting healthy,” Jacob says. “The golf tournament is a major driver to achieving that goal.”

golf for good with golfstatus

As a nonprofit, Hope Strengthens Foundation was able to utilize GolfStatus’ golf event management platform at no upfront cost. An event website made promoting the event, registering golfers, and selling sponsorships easy and efficient, and GolfStatus’ in-house client success team was there every step of the way to help make the golf tournament a success. Find out how you can take advantage of GolfStatus for your next golf event by booking a quick meeting with our team.

Get Started With GolfStatus at No Upfront Cost

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partner snapshot

What began as a 10-week fundraising campaign for a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) “Man of the Year” campaign in 2017 quickly evolved into something much bigger. Jake Peacock and Steve Sullivan have been friends for years, so when Steve started his campaign in honor of his mom, Martha, who was battling acute myeloid leukemia (AML), he asked Jake to be part of it.

Jake has been a golf professional since 2009, so naturally, he suggested doing a golf tournament to contribute to the campaign. Jake’s mom, Jeanne, had beaten breast cancer a few years prior, so he understood the need to do something to help. The first year, the golf outing brought in $15,000 of the $50,000 total raised as part of Steve’s campaign, dubbed “Martha’s Son Makes a Run.”

The next year, Jake ran the “Jeanne’s Journey” campaign that raised $72,000, with the golf event as the main fundraiser for the campaign. But Jake and Steve weren’t done.

Left: Jake with his mom, Jeanne. Right: Steve with his mom, Martha.

the challenge

The next few years, the duo decided to keep running the golf event to benefit the LLS. Then, in 2020, Jake’s mom’s cancer returned and had spread. Sadly, she passed away in June of 2021. Jake and Steve decided to redirect the golf tournament to raise funds for research at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center in memory of Jeanne and in honor of Martha. They partnered with the IU School of Medicine to create a directed fund for research, cutting through the red tape and administrative burden of creating a standalone 501(c) organization.

“We decided we wanted to keep going until we find a cure,” Steve says. “We hope we don’t have to do the golf outing at some point, but want to keep raising funds until then.”

The two continued to run the tournament on their own, leaning on personal connections, community support, and a passion for making an impact. Yet as the event grew in size and scope, it became clear that managing registrations, tracking donations, and communicating with sponsors using spreadsheets and emails wasn’t scalable. Jake is a seasoned golf industry veteran, and knew they needed to level up the event experience, not just to raise more money, but to create a smoother, more professional, and more meaningful experience for everyone involved.

Childhood friends Steve Sullivan and Jake Peacock joined forces to raise over $500,000 through golf for cancer research.

the solution

In 2022, Jake returned to Victoria National in Newburgh, Indiana as the head golf professional. Victoria National is part of Dormie Network, a national network of private destination golf clubs, and GolfStatus’ sister company. He heard about what GolfStatus could offer to charity golf events and thought it was just what the Jeanne and Martha Fore a Cure Golf Outing needed to scale, so they came on board for the 2024 event.

the results

The goal for the 2024 Jeane and Martha Fore a Cure Golf Outing was $75,000. But thanks to the tools offered by GolfStatus and Dormie Network Foundation, the tournament blew past its goal to raise over $92,000, bringing the historical total to over $500,000 raised for cancer research and honoring Jake and Steve’s mom’s battles with cancer.

Golf Event Management Platform

Right off the bat, Jake and Steve used GolfStatus to streamline registration, collect payments online, and create a professional, mobile-friendly event site that simplified the process for golfers and sponsors alike. Plus, with real-time bank account visibility and centralized data, gone were the days of piecing together payments and registrations from emails and sticky notes.

“It’s definitely different being on the other side of a tournament,” Jake says, speaking from his years as a golf professional managing outside outings. “But using GolfStatus made it easy for both Steve and I to see where we stood financially, how many golfers were signed up, and not worry about sharing spreadsheets.”

Jake says that in the first few years, when he and Steve were handling registrations and payments manually, “We really didn’t even know who was coming!” Online registration simplified data capture and receipts, without requiring any effort from Jake or Steve. They could push the event website out to their networks and track registrations, sponsorships, and payments in the software’s back end. What’s more, they used the platform to easily collect payments on tournament day. “That was great,” Jake says. “All the funds were kept in GolfStatus until after the tournament, when it was sent on to the cancer center.”

Both Steve and Jake appreciated the responsive support provided by GolfStatus. “I honestly didn’t expect that level of support from a software company, but it was awesome,” Jake says. “I reached out to the team and was on a call with someone within five minutes.”

The golf tournament’s website offered easy registration, sponsor exposure, and an avenue to collect donations.

expanded sponsorship packages

By leveraging GolfStatus’ exclusive sponsorships and add-ons, Jake and Steve created additional revenue streams from the Technology Sponsorship, Pin Flag Sponsorship, and hole-in-one contests. “We had initially priced the pin flag package at $750, but someone reached out and said they loved the idea of the pin flags and wanted to more than double the contribution for the sponsorship, raising $1,650,” Steve says.

An online auction, consisting of donated items from folks within the Dormie Network, raised an additional $12,000, further boosting their fundraising total.

Jake and Steve leaned on personal connections to bring on sponsors. Steve’s employer, Allegion, a publicly traded security company in the Indianapolis area, started relatively small with the outing in its first year, contributing $1500. But leadership saw the engagement it drove in the workplace and continued to increase their support to $15,000 in 2024. “They saw the value in an employee doing something good because they were touched by cancer,” Steve says.

DORMIE NETWORK FOUNDATION SUPPORT

By working with GolfStatus, the outing unlocked additional support from Dormie Network Foundation. Donated Stay and Play Packages and Dormie Network memberships were auctioned and sold to raise significant dollars for the cause. Three donated memberships and two Stay and Play Packages were sold as part of the event, and a $15,000 gift from a previous tournament sponsor-turned-Network member helped take the outing’s impact to the next level.

“The tools from GolfStatus and the support from Dormie Network Foundation were critical in helping us scale the tournament,” Jake says. “It opened doors to more people to support the event and cause, and grow how much we can raise.” He credits these resources for helping bring in an extra $30,000 from the 2024 event, which the pair hopes to replicate in the future.

“Nobody else gives you the tools and credibility to raise as much as you can, as quickly as you can, like Dormie Network Foundation. Combine that with GolfStatus’ platform and support, and it’s an easy choice to partner with both of them,” Jake says.

personal connections

Jake and Steve want the event to be a great experience for everyone involved, while staying true to its grassroots spirit that honors Jeanne and Martha. “For whatever reason, our stories and experiences really resonate with people,” Steve says. He says they’ve had survivors and family members speak at the tournament, and even had the executive director of the Cancer Center share what the dollars raised are doing. “People want to know what their money is doing, so making the connection to the actual research and individual researchers has been amazing.”

Jake says the people and sponsors who participate understand what they’re trying to accomplish with the tournament. “Every year, I think I can get through the event without getting too emotional, but then we look out and see what’s been done and the impact it's having, and the emotion takes over,” Jake says.

Steve (fourth from left), Jake (fifth from left), and their families at the Indiana University Spirit of Philanthropy Awards.

what’s next

The outing continues to grow—and get attention for its contributions to cancer research. Jake and Steve were invited to be members of the IU School of Medicine Development Board and were nominated by the school for the University’s Spirit of Philanthropy Award, which they received.

With the 8th annual outing set for Monday, August 4, 2025, the event has a goal to break the $100,000 mark—and eventually, raise so much money for cancer research that the event no longer needs to exist. “I wish I never had to do this, but it’s the hand we’re dealt and we’re working to make the most of it,” Jake says.

Contribute to the Jeanne & Martha Fore a Cure Fund for Cancer Research.

Partner Snapshot

The Down Syndrome Association (DSA) of Greater Charlotte serves as a vital hub of resources and support for individuals with Down syndrome (Ds) and their families across 12 counties surrounding Charlotte, NC. With a mission to empower and enable individuals with Ds to reach their full potential and become respected members of their community, DSA of Greater Charlotte supports 300-500 families annually through a variety of programs, from early intervention to adult resources. Victoria Coles, DSA of Greater Charlotte's Program and Community Outreach Director, oversees programs like early intervention, parent nights, and educational outreach initiatives, ensuring that no family feels lost or alone.

One of the most impactful programs DSA of Greater Charlotte provides is its summer camp lineup, offering both day camps and sleepaway camps for children and adults with Ds. “We don’t ever want someone to feel like they can’t participate in camp because of financial reasons,” says Victoria. To raise money for camp scholarships, DSA of Greater Charlotte has held an annual golf tournament for nearly two decades. 

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“We don’t ever want someone to feel like they can’t participate in camp because of financial reasons.”

— Victoria Coles, Program Director at the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte

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The Challenge

When Victoria joined DSA of Greater Charlotte in 2022, she took on the challenge of organizing the golf event. She’s a seasoned event planner, but has little experience with golf. Though the 2023 event was a success, with five sponsors and $33,000 in revenue, there was tremendous potential for growth. 

The event management platform being used also presented logistical hurdles. It required excessive manual coordination and lacked the features needed to fully engage participants and sponsors. With one year of planning under her belt, Victoria knew she needed to make a change. She assembled a planning team that involved board members and past participants to provide diverse insights and share the workload. The group set ambitious goals: to increase revenue, streamline registration, and elevate the overall experience for participants while keeping costs manageable and maintaining the inclusive spirit of the tournament.

The Solution

DSA of Greater Charlotte partnered with GolfStatus, a powerful event management platform designed for charity golf tournaments. After the golf event was nominated for the Play It Forward campaign, the GolfStatus team connected with Victoria. It happened to be at the perfect time, just as she was starting to plan the 2024 tournament and was open to a change. The decision to adopt GolfStatus was driven by several key factors:

• Additional fundraising opportunities. DSA of Greater Charlotte leveraged GolfStatus’ exclusive sponsorships and add-ons to drive thousands of dollars in additional revenue. 

• No upfront cost access to the software. As a nonprofit, DSA of Greater Charlotte qualified to use GolfStatus at no upfront cost, which meant no financial risk and more funds to their mission.

• Ease of use. The planning team worked hand-in-hand with GolfStatus’ client support team to build an event registration website. The intuitive back end made it easy for the planning team to manage registrations, sponsor details, and golfer information with minimal back-and-forth communication.

Maintaining the inclusive focus of the tournament was a key priority of the planning committee when looking for an event management software.

The Results

The 18th Annual DSA of Greater Charlotte Golf Tournament surpassed its previous fundraising goals, raising over $53,000 for summer camp scholarships and programming at Camp Horizon and Camp Holiday. Here’s how:

Increased Sponsorships

More than double the sponsors signed on to support the golf tournament, with the tournament’s positive reputation organically prompting several new businesses to come on board. The past year’s presenting sponsor jumped at the additional exposure provided by GolfStatus’ Technology Sponsorship on the event website, mobile app, scorecards, cart signs, and live leaderboards. 

“The sponsorships from GolfStatus gave us an immediate return on investment,” Victoria says of the Technology Sponsorship, Pin Flag Sponsorship, and hole-in-one contest sponsorship. “We raised additional money from those in our first year with the platform.” The team bundled GolfStatus’ exclusive Technology Sponsorship and Pin Flag Sponsorships together into one sponsorship that sold for $8,250. They also used GolfStatus’ hole-in-one insurance and leveraged a sponsorship to cover package costs. 

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“The sponsorships from GolfStatus gave us an immediate return on investment. We raised additional money from those in our first year with the platform.”

— Victoria Coles, Program Director at the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte

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Streamlined Processes

Golfer information is stored in the back end of the software, where Victoria and her team could easily make hole assignments.

Golf tournament websites powered by GolfStatus are equipped with easy online registration and secure payment processing. Individual golfers, teams, and sponsors could browse available packages, submit their information, and pay right through the website. All participant info drops into the software’s back end, where the planning team could manage player information and sponsor assets. 

Victoria says the software was easy to use and they liked that individuals or teams could register to play. “There wasn’t a constant back and forth with golfers since everything went through the website,” she says. “GolfStatus kept us organized and it was simple to assign teams and make hole assignments right in the software. In general, everything just worked so much better than what we were using before.” GolfStatus’ support team was there to help Victoria seven days a week to answer questions. 

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“GolfStatus kept us organized and it was simple to assign teams and make hole assignments right in the software. In general, everything just worked so much better than what we were using before.”

— Victoria Coles, Program Director at the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte

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Elevated Experiences & Revenue Opportunities

Post-event feedback was extremely positive. A survey was sent to participants to collect information to help improve future tournaments. “We got super feedback. Everyone said the tournament was well-planned with great communication,” Victoria says. “Online registration and the overall experience were five out of five!”

Having Ds Ambassadors present at the golf tournament reminded golfers and sponsors what they were helping raise money for.

Most participants had some connection to the Ds community, so having Ds Ambassadors stationed around the course added to the tournament’s impact. “The Ambassadors are teens and adults with Ds who love to connect with people,” Victoria says. Their presence was a strong reminder of what the tournament was supporting and fostered personal connections that reinforced DSA of Greater Charlotte’s mission.

In addition to the Ds Ambassadors’ presence, several add-ons elevated the tournament experience and drove additional revenue, such as on-course contests (putting, long drive, and hole-in-one), a 50/50 ball drop raffle, a traditional raffle, and mulligans available for purchase. 

Direct Mission Impact

The 2024 tournament funded scholarships for campers, ensuring that financial barriers won’t prevent families from accessing DSA of Greater Charlotte’s transformative summer programs. “We were able to provide $30,000 in scholarships for families this year from the golf tournament, more than we’ve ever done before,” Victoria says. 

Camp programs at Camp Horizon and Camp Holiday offer enriching experiences for campers with Ds. Activities focus on fun, but foster communication, problem solving, social, and self-advocacy skills. Campers enjoy traditional camp activities such as arts and crafts, water play, music, horseback riding and more that build self-confidence and independence. 

Funds raised from the golf tournament support enriching camp programs for individuals with Down Syndrome.

Lessons Learned for the Future

As the tournament’s planning team begins to plan for the next iteration, these lessons learned will help guide them:

• Include complimentary food and drinks. Providing food and drink creates a welcoming atmosphere. Victoria says they’ll continue to keep folks well-fed through donated options like donuts, boxed lunches, bloody marys, and a post-tournament catered dinner.

• Stay organized. DSA of Greater Charlotte’s golf event included signage with clear information, detailed registration instructions, and plenty of volunteers to ensure the day ran smoothly.

• Leverage technology: Using a platform like GolfStatus saved Victoria and her team time, streamlined logistics, and enhanced the event experience for everyone involved.

Building on 2024’s success, Victoria and the planning team plan to refine and expand the tournament in 2025 by:

• Offering larger and more creative raffle prizes

• Exploring new on-course challenges to keep the event fresh and engaging

• Continuing to build strong sponsor relationships, ensuring robust support camp programming

• Leveraging GolfStatus’ revenue enhancers to boost revenue

The tournament received great feedback from golfers and sponsors!

Golf for Good

GolfStatus is the leading event management platform for charity golf tournaments and fundraisers. It streamlines and simplifies golf events to save organizers a ton of time and has built-in tools to raise even money for your cause. Through GolfStatus’ Golf for Good program, nonprofit organizations (and those planning golf events to benefit one) can qualify to use GolfStatus at no upfront cost. Book a meeting to learn more and start planning!

Partner Snapshot

The Arizona Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is a driving force for suicide prevention, education, and support within Arizona. With a mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide, the chapter provides outreach opportunities, survivor support resources, educational prorams for schools and workplaces, and events like community walks and the annual golf fundraiser.

Gina Gillis, the special events manager for Arizona and New Mexico, has a deeply personal connection to the cause. Gina’s journey with AFSP began as a volunteer after the tragic loss of her son to suicide, serving as the chair for a community walk and board member before transitioning to her current staff role.

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“Our work helps people understand that they’re not alone. We connect people and families who are struggling with resources to help them cope.”

— Gina Gillis, Special Events Manager for Arizona and New Mexico at AFSP Arizona

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The Challenge

The annual golf tournament was spearheaded by Dave Canham, who was mourning the loss of his son, Sean, to suicide. Together with Sean’s brother, Evan, who played golf competitively and had fond memories of hitting balls on the range with Sean, they launched a one-of-a-kind golf event: the Golf for Hope glow-in-the-dark golf tournament.

Held at night to escape Arizona’s intense heat and provide a unique, engaging experience, Golf for Hope’s glow-in-the-dark format required thoughtful planning. Glow-in-the-dark golf balls, illuminated pin flags, and glowing signage were implemented to create a magical atmosphere while ensuring playability and safety. 

Golf for Hope raised about $3,000 and attracted 25 golfers in its inaugural year in 2019. As the tournament grew, so did the logistical challenges and the need for better processes and tech tools than the chapter’s CRM could provide. Manual registration—through the CRM and emailed information—not only increased the organizers’ workload but left room for errors and inefficiencies.

The tournament includes a cart decorating contest, with glow-in-the-dark elements and lights.

The Solution

In 2023, Dave teamed up with Gina at the chapter office to explore better ways of planning and executing a successful Golf for Hope. Gina had learned about GolfStatus from a colleague, so she and Dave got a product demo and liked what the platform offered to streamline planning and enhance the participant experience. “We wanted a solution that was simple to use and didn’t come with a big price tag,” Gina says. As a nonprofit, AFSP Arizona qualified to use GolfStatus at no upfront cost, which was a major selling point for the planning team.

After the AFSP national office vetted the software, including reviews from IT, finance, and events management, GolfStatus became an integral tool for the chapter, simplifying event logistics and enabling the team to focus on delivering a great event. “We were so excited when we got the ok because we could see how it would make everything easier,” Gina says.

The tournament’s website made it simple for organizers to collect golfer information and sponsor assets.

Key Solutions:

• Ease of Use: Gina isn’t a golfer, but was able to easily navigate throughout the intuitive platform’s back end.

• Support & Expert Advice: Glow for Hope worked hand-in-hand with GolfStatus’ in-house client success team to build their tournament. The continuity of working with the same rep, while also being able to access front-line support seven days a week, provided peace of mind for the planning team.

• Custom Event Website: The GolfStatus platform provided a professional, user-friendly site that made promoting the tournament, showcasing sponsors, and facilitating registrations easy and efficient.

• Online Registration: Replacing cumbersome manual processes and clunky workarounds using the chapter’s CRM, GolfStatus allowed golfers to register and pay online seamlessly. This eliminated the need for email-based communication and time-consuming manual tracking and keeping spreadsheets up to date. Online registration includes secure payment processing and automated receipts.

• Sponsor Onboarding & Recognition: The event site gives sponsors the ability to purchase their chosen packages and upload logos and messaging right at registration, helping them start earning impressions right away. Sponsors get prominent exposure on the event website and app, offering valuable visibility.

• Live Scoring: Participants enjoyed using GolfStatus’ mobile app for real-time scoring, adding more engagement and additional sponsor exposure, and also made finalizing the tournament’s results much quicker. 

• Data Management: Golfer information drops into GolfStatus’ back end, where Gina and the planning team could access real-time information. They could create and manage foursomes and assign holes right in the software.

The Results

The 5th annual Golf for Hope tournament was a resounding success, raising nearly $34,000. This total represents a significant increase in golfer participation compared to previous years, demonstrating the event’s growing appeal.

The innovative glow-in-the-dark theme adds an element of “magic” to the event, according to Gina. “My favorite part is how beautiful it is!” she says. Glow-in-the-dark golf balls, lit pin flags, and glowing signage for sponsors add to the vibrant atmosphere. “As it gets darker you can see arcs of light as people are playing,” Gina says. “The lit sponsor signs really call attention to the sponsors, too.”

Golfers participate in the tournament’s putting contest.

Additional activities, like a cart-decorating contest judged by a panel, putting and chipping challenges, and a glow-in-the-dark ball launcher game, add to the fun and help generate additional revenue. A pre-tournament dinner gave attendees the chance to mingle, purchase raffle tickets, and participate in other buy-ins.

Highlights:

• Enhanced Efficiency: The GolfStatus platform eliminated the need for spreadsheets and manual tracking, significantly reducing the planning team’s workload and saving hours of time.

• Improved Sponsor Engagement: The platform’s ability to showcase sponsors’ logos and contributions boosted sponsor satisfaction and retention. Sponsors appreciated the lit signage that made their support highly visible during the night-time event.

• Positive Feedback: Participants praised the unique glow-in-the-dark format and the event’s overall organization and professionalism. 

• Community Impact: Proceeds from Golf for Hope support AFSP’s mission by funding local and national programs. Half of the funds stay with the chapter for local programming that supports families, advocacy, and education, while the other half helps fund research at the national level.

A glow-in-the-dark ball launcher game added to the tournament’s fun.

The Future

While the current host course’s intimate setting adds to the event’s charm, the chapter is exploring larger venues to accommodate the tournament’s growth while maintaining the unique atmosphere that sets Golf for Hope apart. Relationships with the course staff have been invaluable, with their flexibility and support being a key factor in the event’s success.

AFSP Arizona plans to build on the tournament’s steady growth and success by incorporating feedback from participants and sponsors. Plans for future interactions of Golf for Hope include:

• Continuing to include popular elements like the glow-in-the-dark ball launcher and cart-decorating contest.

• Exploring options for a larger venue to welcome more participants while preserving the event’s intimate feel.

• Leveraging GolfStatus to further streamline operations, raise additional funds, and enhance the golfer and sponsor experience.

The planning team, composed of passionate volunteers and board members like Dave, is committed to making each year’s event better than the last. The group meets on a regular basis throughout the planning process and post-event to ensure continuous improvement.

Illuminated golf carts make their way across the the golf course during the Golf for Hope event.

Lessons Learned

Gina emphasizes the importance of having a dedicated planning team and leveraging technology to simplify logistics. “I would tell other tournament organizers to spend time exploring all the features of GolfStatus,” she advises. “You won’t know what you’re missing if you don’t know it’s there!” 

She also highlights the value of engaging passionate volunteers who are committed to the cause. Many of the event’s volunteers are loss survivors themselves, bringing a deep personal connection to their roles.

Sponsors, many of whom are returning supporters, play a crucial role in the tournament’s success. Gina says building strong relationships with sponsors and understanding their needs have been key strategies for ensuring their continued involvement.

The Golf for Hope tournament exemplifies how creativity, strategic planning, and the right tools can elevate a fundraising event. By blending a unique concept with GolfStatus’ technology, AFSP Arizona delivered an unforgettable experience that not only raised critical funds but also fostered community and awareness around suicide prevention. As the event continues to grow, it’s a prime example of innovation and impact in nonprofit fundraising.

Golf for Good

GolfStatus is the leading event management platform for charity golf tournaments and fundraisers. It streamlines and simplifies golf events to save organizers a ton of time and has built-in tools to raise even money for your cause. Through GolfStatus’ Golf for Good program, nonprofit organizations (and those planning golf events to benefit one) can qualify to use GolfStatus at no upfront cost. Get an event website, online registration and secure payment processing, the ability to collect donations, exclusive sponsorships and exposure, live support seven days a week, and golf-specific tools to make your tournament the best one yet. Book a meeting to learn more and get started!

Partner snapshot

The Nebraska PGA serves over 300 golf professionals in Nebraska, Western Iowa, and Southeast South Dakota. Based in Lincoln, the Nebraska Section is a resource for member golf professionals, offering services and opportunities that enhance the skills of its members and promote the overall vitality of the game. Its PGA REACH Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Section that supports local golf initiatives and charities.

The challenge

David Honnens, Executive Director for the Nebraska PGA, recognized a recurring issue at Nebraska golf facilities: the time burden that charity golf tournaments and outside events placed on PGA Pros’ time, often at the expense of other essential facility operations and member-focused activities.

These outside events, which are key to a facility’s bottom line, require staff to dedicate extensive hours to assisting tournament organizers with planning and management and internal event preparations. These events often lack streamlined communication and registration processes, leading to inconsistencies and gaps in planning, making it challenging for golf staff to gather the information needed for a successful tournament. What’s more, tournament organizers often come to golf facilities with limited golf knowledge, increasing the need for golf staff involvement and support.

A solution was needed to save Professionals time while also improving tournament organization and fundraising outcomes for the organizing charity.

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“There needed to be a way to bridge the disconnect between golf facility staff and tournament organizers and give Pros more of their time back,” says David. “A partnership with GolfStatus for charity events was the answer.”

— David Honnens, Executive Director at PGA Nebraska

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The solution

GolfStatus is built specifically for charity golf tournaments and fundraisers. Its suite of tournament management and fundraising tools streamline golf events for nonprofit event organizers and offer new opportunities to boost revenue. The software is backed by an in-house support team of Client Success Representatives that include several PGA Professionals who understand the ins and outs of successful golf events.

GolfStatus’ tournament management software saves golf facility staff 20-30 hours per event.

Cash Dinkel is a PGA Professional who spent several years as tournament director at a Denver country club and now serves as GolfStatus’ Client Success Director. “We understand the golf staff have software in place for facility operations and member events. GolfStatus isn’t trying to replace that; we’re here to make outside events and charity tournaments more efficient for golf staff,” he says.

Golf facilities that are on board with GolfStatus as part of the partnership refer charity tournaments to the GolfStatus team, who help them build an event in the software and launch an event website. The client success team provides pre-event education and coaching, suggestions for revenue-boosting tournament components, and provides access to golf staff to access pre-formatted printouts and reports and make hole assignments and team pairings.

the results

Thus far, 17 golf facilities in Nebraska have signed on with GolfStatus and referred 157 charity events. Golf professionals earn a kickback for each event referred, with nearly $8,000 paid out to pros since the start of 2024. “Golf staff are being asked to do more on a daily basis, so anything the section can do to help improve a very visible part of their business is a huge plus,” says David of working with GolfStatus. “The financial kickback is great and GolfStatus gives professionals another tool in their tool belt to elevate these events all around.”

Golfers at an outside event at Tiburon Golf Club in Omaha, Nebraska.

tiburon golf club sees success

Tiburon Golf Club in Omaha was one of the first golf facilities to sign on with GolfStatus through the PGA Nebraska partnership. A 27-hole club in Omaha, Tiburon hosts over 100 outside events per year, which means Club Professional Matt Wollom needs to find efficiencies for his team wherever possible. “Instead of getting 20 to 30 emails from the tournament organizer with updates, all the information is updated and accessible in the software’s back end,” Matt says. “It means less back and forth with them and less time and energy for my staff so they can provide great service to golfers.”

time savings across the board

David says Nebraska PGA Professionals have reported saving 20 to 30 hours per tournament by using GolfStatus, time that can be redirected toward other aspects of facility operations, income-generating activities, or member engagement. “Time is precious, and when golf professionals don’t have to spend their time doing back-office work or going back and forth with the tournament contact, it’s huge for us,” he says.

Matt says the events held at Tiburon who use GolfStatus also save time. “The tournament organizers, who don’t always know much about golf, end up having fewer planning tasks on their plate so they can go out and focus on raising money,” Matt says. “Plus, we’re not getting phone calls asking questions. GolfStatus takes care of it for us.”

GolfStatus’ Client Success Team includes PGA Professionals who understand the ins and outs of golf facility operations and golf tournaments.

Cash points out that GolfStatus’ goal in working with the Pros and the events is increased efficiency. “Event planners become more efficient because they’re not dealing with paper forms. Facility staff is more efficient because they can run reports and easily communicate with organizers,” he says. “Tournaments are easier to do and easier to maintain with GolfStatus, on both the organization and facility sides.”

better outcomes for host organizations

Events that use GolfStatus at partner golf courses have seen improved fundraising outcomes. It starts with no-cost access to the software for nonprofits. Offerings like the GolfStatus client-exclusive Technology Sponsorship, hole-in-one insurance and sponsorships, pin flag sponsorships, and exclusive donations from Dormie Network add up to thousands of additional dollars.

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“GolfStatus has everything these events need to raise money,” Matt says. “It gives them channels to raise extra money they wouldn’t have had access to otherwise.”

— Matt Wollom, Club Professional at Tiburon Golf Club

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Outside outings often come with additional components, such as luncheons, banquets, and auctions.

Tournaments often add an online auction component to drive additional revenue, which is good for both the host nonprofit and the golf facility. “We’re seeing a lot more online auctions at outside charity events, which can raise almost 200% more than a traditional auction,” David says. GolfStatus’ online auction service offers easy setup, bidding, and payment for nonprofit clients wishing to add an online auction component.

expanding the partnership to other pga sections

GolfStatus is expanding their partnership to include other PGA Sections around the country, helping boost efficiency for golf professionals and fundraising for charities. “GolfStatus speaks the language of nonprofits and charities, but also golf,” David says. “They’re an expert resource that helps golf professionals elevate every event.”

Cash says he hopes PGA Sections see GolfStatus as an asset to PGA Members and events. He says the GolfStatus team will work with each individual golf facility and pro to determine what tournament-related tasks can be taken off their plates, such as:

• Meeting with the tournament organizer as a consultant

• Helping the tournament maximize fundraising with exclusive sponsorships, tools, and partners

• Building a registration and payments event website

• Automating the creation of professional scorecards, cart signs, alpha lists, etc. so that golf staff doesn’t have to spend hours organizing data and formatting documents

An event website automates registration, saving organizers and golf staff time and effort. Registration information drops in the software's back end where it's easily accessible for real-time management.

The specialized software and support GolfStatus provides fosters growth and streamlines golf tournament management, making it easier than ever for golf facilities to host impactful charity events while saving valuable time and resources.

get in touch

If your golf facility or PGA Section is interested in learning more about how GolfStatus can serve you, book a meeting with Cash Dinkel, PGA, Client Success Director. Nonprofits can get qualified to use the software at no cost by clicking here.

PGA HOPE offers veterans an outlet to boost their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being through golf.

Partner Snapshot

Golf provides a unique opportunity for military veterans to connect with each other in an outdoor, healthy environment. PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), a program of the Professional Golfers Association, does just that, providing an outlet for veterans to boost their physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. 

PGA HOPE is a free golf program for veterans and active-duty military personnel, led and taught by PGA Professionals. When they complete the program, the veterans are considered “graduates” and remain engaged with the program, and more importantly, with each other. 

Seth Scollard, Assistant Executive Director of the Nebraska Section PGA, says the program has become about more than just golf. “Golf has almost become secondary. It’s about the camaraderie and the ability to take their minds off everything else for a couple of hours each week,” he says. “As the program has grown, it’s created a veteran community through golf.” Graduates come together for a variety of activities centered around golf and more, including golf leagues, baseball games, and serving food at homeless shelters. 

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“Golf has almost become secondary. It’s about the camaraderie and the ability to take their minds off everything else for a couple of hours each week”

— Seth Scollard, Assistant Executive Director of the Nebraska Section PGA

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The Challenge

The PGA HOPE program falls under the umbrella of PGA REACH Nebraska. At the national level, the PGA REACH is the philanthropic arm of the PGA, offering programs that focus on military, youth, and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) in golf. In Nebraska, PGA HOPE is one of the section’s flagship programs, with over 550 active participants in its sixth year. 

Nebraska PGA runs several golf events over the course of the year, with Seth as the point person for organization and execution. In the past, they offered a nine-hole event for PGA HOPE program graduates, but with more veterans involved than ever, Seth and his team decided to up the ante and create the 18-hole PGA HOPE Classic. The Classic added another tournament under the purview of the PGA REACH Foundation, and another need for a golf event-specific tool to manage and execute such events.

The Solution

A few years back, Seth connected with one of the PGA Professionals on staff at GolfStatus, Jason Meinginger, to discuss how GolfStatus’ software could help facilitate registration, live scoring, and much more for each of the Foundation’s events—and make Seth’s life considerably easier. “There are a lot of software options out there that cater to PGA Professionals and golf facilities, but when you look at charity events, there’s a different set of needs,” Seth says, and explains that GolfStatus meets those needs for PGA Nebraska’s charitable events, with capabilities to provide coaching, handle registration, sponsor onboarding exposure, and simplify post-event accounting. 

PGA Nebraska’s partnership with GolfStatus provides software, support, and resources for members and event planners.

The Results

The PGA HOPE Classic is a different take on a classic golf fundraiser. While raising money is certainly part of it, it’s an ancillary benefit—the true goal is to bring the PGA HOPE graduates together to enjoy a day on the golf course with other veterans. “We’re not trying to raise money off of the veterans,” Seth says, since the field of golfers is limited to program graduates. “Providing access is more important than raising money for this tournament.”

Dollars raised from tournament sponsorships went right back into the PGA HOPE program. “They knew what they were supporting and loved that their money went back into the program, which is a home run all around,” Seth says. He went to one of the PGA HOPE program’s longtime sponsors, PenFed Credit Union, with a new opportunity to support veterans through the Classic. Tournament planners rolled GolfStatus’ exclusive Technology Sponsorship into the event’s Title Sponsor, which earned them broad exposure throughout the platform and demonstrated their commitment to veterans. “They loved it!” Seth says. 

He says GolfStatus makes their tournament accounting much more streamlined. “It’s much easier to run dollars through the event site, and get one payout after the tournament,” Seth says, explaining how it saves him time and hassle not having to deal with checks, cash, and receipts. 

Connections & Camaraderie

Seth explains that the vast majority of participants in the PGA HOPE Classic—around 85%—registered as individuals rather than teams. “That part is really cool—they get a chance to meet new people and build new relationships by playing golf.” He says golf gives veterans a safe, healthy environment to connect with other veterans. “They’re out in the fresh air, getting some exercise and challenging themselves. Golf provides that environment,” Seth says.

The PGA HOPE Classic is an opportunity for veterans to connect with one another and build camaraderie.

PGA HOPE is billed as a veteran program first and a golf program second. Seth says it’s an outlet for veterans and active duty military personnel to be with their brothers and sisters and experience camaraderie. “They get a true sense of belonging, whether they’re new to golf or getting back into the game,” Seth says. “They’re with their peers being active out in the world again. That’s what this program is all about.”

Tools Built for Golf

GolfStatus’ event websites include easy online registration that syncs to the software’s backend. “Online registration is the way to go,” Seth says. “It eliminates so many headaches.” Instead of paper forms or emailed registrations, it’s all automated, and event planners can track registrations and payments as needed in the tournament management portal. 

When it came time to make team and hole assignments, all the player information was already in the software, eliminating the need for spreadsheets or handwritten lists. Because so many graduates registered as individuals, Seth could simply create teams and make hole assignments right in the platform, and golfers could refer to the event website to see who they would be playing with and what hole they would start on. 

Golfers entered their scores on the GolfStatus mobile app after each hole, which synced to the tournament’s live leaderboards.

Seth said graduates loved the live scoring offered by the GolfStatus mobile app. They downloaded the free app ahead of the tournament and input their team’s live scoring code when they arrived at the golf facility. “We got a lot of great comments about live scoring—how easy it was and how much it enhanced the day,” Seth says, noting that live scoring made the tournament more fun and engaging, and golfers loved the app’s integrated GPS feature.

A Future of Partnership

As the PGA HOPE program continues to grow, Seth says they’re considering adding another tournament to bookend the golf season. “We got so much feedback about wanting more opportunities to play with other veterans,” he says.

Seth says that the PGA Nebraska Section plans to continue to leverage GolfStatus for its Foundation-sponsored golf tournaments, including the PGA HOPE Classic, while also encouraging PGA Professionals at courses around the state to opt into using GolfStatus for their facility’s charity events. “GolfStatus bridges the gap between the course’s PGA Professional and the host nonprofit, which makes life easier for both parties,” he says. “Plus, GolfStatus has PGA Professionals on staff which demonstrates their level of knowledge and expertise.”

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“GolfStatus bridges the gap between the course’s PGA Professional and the host nonprofit, which makes life easier for both parties.”

— Seth Scollard, Assistant Executive Director of the Nebraska Section PGA

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“I see so many people try to wing it when planning a tournament for the first time, but I’ll tell them to use the resources at their disposal,” Seth says, including the PGA Professional at the golf facility and GolfStatus. He tells other foundations and charities that GolfStatus’ software, combined with its in-house support team, tournament planning resources, and fundraising opportunities, make golf fundraisers more efficient and more lucrative. 

“At the end of the day, GolfStatus helps us support veterans, and that’s what really matters,” Seth says.

Partner Snapshot

Every one of the 35 schools in the Millard Public School (MPS) District has benefited in one way or another from the Millard Public Schools Foundation (MPSF). MPS is located in Omaha, Nebraska and serves 23,000 students with 3,000 staff in kindergarten through high school. The Foundation gives roughly $1,000,000 back to the schools on an annual basis to allow Millard’s schools to work beyond their regular operating budget.

MPSF has funded programs like after school childcare, advanced placement scholarships, food pantries at district high schools, support for Millard families in need, educator awards, and much more for over 40 years, helping students and educators thrive and the district become a district of choice for area families. “Ultimately our main mission is to support the district and make a difference in the community,” says Marilyn Chollett, Director of Development and Communications for MPSF.

One way the Foundation drives revenue is through an annual golf fundraiser. Marilyn has been part of the golf tournament for 15 of the event’s 30+ year existence and serves as the MPSF liaison to the event’s planning committee. “We want the tournament to be something where people can come and have a lot of fun and support our mission,” she says.

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“Golf is a great way to have fun and raise money for our work.”

— Marilyn Chollett, Director of Development and Communications

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The Challenge

The golf tournament has helped raise dollars for MPSF to fill in gaps for schools, students, and staff throughout the district. The tournament has grown steadily over the years, regularly grossing between $90,000 and $100,000. 

The tournament’s planning team changes every year, with Marilyn remaining a steady presence to keep the committee on task and on track. It’s a significant investment of everyone’s time, so Marilyn kept her eyes open for ways to streamline the tournament from start to finish.

The Solution

When Marilyn came across GolfStatus’ booth at the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) conference in New Orleans in April of 2023, she was intrigued by the user-friendliness of the platform, and the promise to save organizers time and help raise more money from golf events. They were too close to the early June date of that year’s tournament to jump to a new event management platform, but circled back to GolfStatus as they began planning for 2024. “Something new was scary, especially when you’ve done it one way for 15 years, but we decided to go for it,” she says, and they came onboard with GolfStatus.

The Results

Carts ready for golfers are lined up at the event’s host golf facility, Tiburon Golf Club, in Omaha, Nebraska.

The established tournament sells out on a regular basis, and 2024 was no different. The host golf facility, Tiburon Golf Club, is unique in that it is a 27-hole facility and can accommodate a field of 216 golfers. “Those extra nine holes help us raise additional money” from golfers and sponsors, Marilyn says, and the tournament raised over $90,000.

Securing Sponsors

She worked closely with the planning team of about 10 members, which is comprised of vendors, board or community members, and district teachers, administrators, or staff. The committee works to secure sponsors, who primarily represent district vendors. It’s been a win-win for vendors, who use it as a marketing piece to not only support the Foundation but also get time with school administrators to do business.

“The tournament has built a good reputation over the years, so we’re fortunate that sponsors keep coming back,” Marilyn says. The planning team members tap into their own relationships and networks to sell the remaining sponsorships not sold to vendors. 

The digital exposure provided by GolfStatus’ platform provides additional ROI for sponsors.

Sponsoring businesses get digital exposure on the tournament’s website as soon as they sign on. Marilyn says they are conscious about offering a wide range of sponsorship opportunities, from the presenting sponsor selling for $8,000 to $600 hole sponsorships. She points out that  GolfStatus opened doors to additional sponsorships, including its exclusive Technology Sponsorship and high-visibility Pin Flag Sponsorship. “The flags looked great and the sponsor was really happy with how they turned out,” Marilyn says. 

The planning team opted to purchase GolfStatus’ Bundled Hole-In-One contest package, which in combination with the sale of the Technology Sponsorship and Pin Flag Sponsorship, unlocked the donation of a Stay and Play package from GolfStatus’ sister company, Dormie Network. “We were able to leverage the Stay and Play donation as an auction item, which brought in an extra $3,000,” she says.

User-Friendliness & Support

GolfStatus’ user-friendliness, both from the front and back end perspectives, is what pushed the MPSF to make the switch to manage the golf event. Each GolfStatus client has a dedicated client support representative who walks them through the software’s back end to ensure they’re comfortable using it, and is available to answer questions, provide coaching, and help make the tournament a success. What’s more, clients and site users can access the support team seven days a week if they run into any snags or have questions about registration, purchasing a sponsorship, or making a donation.

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“The customer service has been great. The team is so responsive and knowledgeable.”

— Marilyn Chollett, Director of Development and Communications at Millard Public Schools Foundation

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Sponsors helped underwrite the cost of the tournament’s player gifts.

As a nonprofit, MPSF qualified for GolfStatus’ Golf for Good program, which gave them access to GolfStatus’ platform at no upfront cost. Marilyn worked with her GolfStatus rep to build a free event website and learn the platform. “It’s very user-friendly,” she says. “They walked me through the back end, but it wasn’t hard to learn as someone who’s not the most tech savvy!” 

Streamlining & Simplifying

Golfers and sponsors could purchase teams and packages right through the event website, and all registration and payment information drops into the software’s backend for easy management. The team unlocked the software’s invoicing feature to cater to sponsors who need an invoice for their accounting processes. “We have lots of sponsors that request invoices, and being able to offer that within the software has been helpful,” Marilyn says. “It takes the burden off of me to have to keep up with those requests and keep it all within the platform.”

As they begin to think about the next iteration of the golf tournament, Marilyn says they’ll look at the current committee structure to ensure it’s beneficial to both the volunteers and the Foundation. She says they’ll likely keep a lot the same, since it’s been so successful, but continue to look for unique experiences to make the tournament more memorable for golfers and keep them coming back to support MPSF’s work to enrich local schools. 

“We don’t ever want it to be exactly the same, but want people to have fun. It’s a great chance for people to support the district and Foundation’s mission.”

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Golf for Good

GolfStatus is the leading event management platform for charity golf tournaments and fundraisers. It streamlines and simplifies golf events to save organizers a ton of time and has built in tools to raise even money for your cause. Through GolfStatus’ Golf for Good program, nonprofit organizations (and those planning golf events to benefit one) can qualify to use GolfStatus at no cost. Get an event website, online registration and secure payment processing, the ability to collect donations, exclusive sponsorships and exposure, live support seven days a week, and golf-specific tools to make your tournament the best one yet. Click below to book a meeting to find out more and get qualified.