The Professional Golfers’ Association of America’s (PGA) annual Kaulig Companies Championship at Firestone Country Club each summer is not just about golf; it’s about uplifting northeast Ohio communities. As unrelated as their missions may seem, initiatives like feeding hungry children, inspiring creative minds, and empowering those with Parkinson’s disease find common ground here.
This year, one of the tournament’s annual fundraisers, the Ambassador of Golf (AoG) Award dinner presented by the FirstEnergy Foundation, will move from the country club to a larger venue at House 330 in downtown Akron. Previously known as the Tangier restaurant, House 330, now owned by The LeBron James Family Foundation, symbolizes community service and revitalization.
Approximately 350 guests will gather at House Three Thirty on July 11 to witness Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning accept the 2024 AoG award. Manning joins a prestigious list of past recipients who champion not only the game of golf but also humanitarian causes.
The money raised at the AoG event goes to the Northern Ohio Golf Charities and Foundation and is then dispersed to deserving nonprofit organizations across northeast Ohio.
“Not only are we showcasing a great new venue in Akron, but House Three Thirty is also a beneficiary of the AoG event,” said Lorna Wisham, President of the FirstEnergy Foundation. “The ability to host more people at this year’s event allows us to raise even more funds for nonprofits that have shown an exceptional commitment to improving lives in our region.”
The hundreds of organizations that have been awarded funding throughout the years provide a wide range of services. Some support the sport of golf while others focus on meeting basic health and human care needs in the local community.
A total of 47 northeast Ohio nonprofit organizations received grants this year from the money raised at last year’s AoG event. Some of the projects completed with the funding include:
Feed Kids First, based in Stark County, purchased two new refrigerators for their food pantries located in 12 Canton City Schools.
Beat the Streets Cleveland bought a new treadmill and spin bike for its wrestling gym, which serves as an outlet for underprivileged youth.
InMotion purchased new mats, weights and other exercise equipment for their facility in Beachwood that empowers people with Parkinson’s disease.
The Canton Museum of Art installed new energy-efficient LED lighting, providing long-term cost-savings and an upgraded experience for visitors.
Libby Doss, Development Director for the Canton Museum of Art, praises the fundraiser’s broad support for local organizations and its lasting impact well into the future.
“We can have a more vibrant, thriving community when we all work together for the greater good,” said Doss. “Like many of the projects completed with AoG funding this year, the upgrade to energy-efficient lighting at our facility will continue to positively impact our organization for years to come.”
MEDIA CONTACT: Hannah Catlett
