When Darius Rucker sang about connection and compassion, these values transcended his music career and were reflected in his commitment to giving back. This summer, Rucker will receive the Ambassador of Golf Award for using golf as a platform for positive impact.
The award will be presented at the FirstEnergy Foundation-sponsored annual Ambassador of Golf event on June 19 at House 330 during the Kaulig Companies Championship week at Firestone Country Club.
The event honors individuals who have made significant contributions both on and off the golf course. Rucker, a three-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist, has been active in charitable causes through golf, raising millions for children's hospitals, education, and youth sports programs.
Rucker's recognition comes amid a notable resurgence in golf participation, which has increased by 5% from last year and is 38% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Celebrities like Rucker are broadening the game's appeal and inspiring new audiences to engage with it not only as a sport but also as a means for community impact.
Proceeds from the Ambassador of Golf event benefit local nonprofits across Northeast Ohio by supporting capital projects that address critical community needs.
“Golf may be an individual sport, but Ambassador of Golf brings us together to fund projects that will make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors,” said Torrence Hinton, President of FirstEnergy Ohio. “The FirstEnergy Foundation is proud to support the Northern Ohio Golf Charities and Foundation and the organizations working to build stronger, more resilient communities across our region.”
A video featuring some of this year's grant recipients can be viewed on FirstEnergy's YouTube channel.
In 2025, 30 local nonprofit organizations received grants from Ambassador of Golf funding. Each grant supports specific capital projects addressing urgent community needs such as food insecurity and housing for veterans. Projects in Akron include:
- Humility of Mary Housing: Replacing a roof on an apartment building to provide affordable housing and supportive services.
- North Hill Community Development Corporation: Constructing Akron’s first soccer court to revitalize North Hill neighborhood.
- Feeding Hope Food Pantry: Purchasing two energy-efficient freezers to expand nutritious offerings.
- Truth and Honor: Installing a garage door on a workshop at a veterans’ home for mental health services support.
The FirstEnergy Foundation supports tax-exempt nonprofits serving critical needs in communities served by FirstEnergy’s electric operating companies.