Celebrities Boost Applied Underwriters Invitational Golf Tournament's Record Charitable Contribution
Thursday, December 5, 2024 | 380 | 0
More than 12,000 golfers across the U.S. participate in large-scale
benefit competition leading to National Finals in May 2025
(Omaha, Nebraska... Sunday, December 1, 2024) This year, the world's largest
national annual charity golf event heads toward its final rounds in early 2025 with
80 events completed and more than 12,000 golfers participating. The Applied
Underwriters Invitational golf tournament has exceeded its annual goal of raising
$12 million for the 80 charities it now supports, nearing $13 million to date for such
organizations as the National Kidney Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, the
American Cancer Society, Boys and Girls Clubs, United Way, and many communitybased
organizations supporting children's literacy and education, emergency
housing and assistance for families in need, aid to people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities, youth sports, and organizations that focus on
mentorship and the development of young people.
Now in its 37th year of continuous operation, The Invitational has contributed over
$300 million to charity since its founding according to Loren Shapiro, National
Tournament Director, who stated: "The 2024 season of the Applied Underwriters
Invitational has been an extraordinary success. With support this season from
12,000 golfers and more than 2,500 local corporate sponsors, this year's fundraising
total has elevated The Invitational's lifetime charitable support to an increasingly
higher level. We are seeing a growing number of top named sponsors as well, such
as Cobra PUMA Golf, Bridgestone Golf, Under Armour Eyewear, Whistling Straits,
Global Golf Post, Bass Pro Shops, and The Experience St Andrews. It is most
gratifying."
A host of celebrities from the worlds of sports and entertainment joined Applied
Underwriters executives, tournament staff, and thousands of volunteers to advance
this year's tournament successfully on every measurable level, according to Mr.
Shapiro. Sports and entertainment participants include NFL, NBA and Golf Hall of
Famers, actors, comedians and musicians, including Justin Reid (NFL, Safety for the
Kansas City Chiefs), Kevin Lockett (NFL, former Kansas City Chiefs player), Charles
Haley (NFL, former player for the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers, winner
of five Super Bowls), Kenny Thomas (NBA, former power forward for the
Sacramento Kings), Deron Cherry (NFL, former safety for the Kansas City Chiefs, sixtime
Pro Bowler), Warren Moon (NFL, former quarterback for the Houston Oilers),
Alex English (NBA, former Denver Nuggets player, eight-time All-Star), Nancy Lopez
(former pro golfer, winner of 48 LPGA Tour events); Major League Baseball legends
Dave Stewart, Sergio Romo, and Barry Bonds - each of whom played at the Vida
Blue Charity Golf Tournament in Oakland named for the late, great Oakland A's
pitcher; and comedians and actors Cedric the Entertainer, George Lopez, Anthony
Anderson, as well as musician Vince Gill.
Great appreciation among sports men and women was shared by the celebrity
participants and summarized by long time Invitational spokesman and advocate
Luke Donald, professional golfer, European Ryder Cup Captain, and former number
one player in the world: "I'm very proud and honored to be an ambassador for the
Applied Underwriters Invitational. It's great to see the amazing work Applied is
doing in terms of all their philanthropic efforts, and the charity dollars they're
raising through The Invitational."
Mr. Donald's thanks were echoed by Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Charles
Haley, who won five Super Bowls-second most in history-and played in five Pro
Bowls: "I want to add my voice to thank Applied Underwriters for all the hard work
that they did to bring together this remarkable golf tournament in 30 states. They
benefit foundations like my Tackle Tomorrow reading program for underprivileged
kids, which puts reading coaches in elementary schools to change the way kids and
families view education in these communities and espouses education as the key to
mobility, thinking, processing information, dreaming, and doing the things that you
had never thought about doing."
Tournament finals are set for May 14th to the 18th at the world-renowned American
Club Resort, home of the prestigious Whistling Straits Golf Course in Kohler, WI. The
course has hosted three PGA Championships (2004, 2010, 2015), one U.S. Senior
Open (2007), and the 43rd Ryder Cup (2021).
At that time, the winning foursome of each Applied Underwriters Invitational event
this season will be invited to compete in the National Finals on Whistling Straits and
Blackwolf Run. Designed by legendary architect Pete Dye, these courses offer
unparalleled golfing experiences, known for their stunning coastal views along Lake
Michigan and rugged, links-style terrain.
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For further information, contact press@auw.com.
Invitational Facts:
? The longest running, most successful and largest amateur golf event in the
world, distinguished as The #1 Charity Event in Golf.™
? Created in 1987, the Invitational has conducted more than 4,500 charity golf
tournaments and generated over $300 million in net charitable proceeds over
the last 37 years.
? The tournaments are played across the United States on some of the most
renowned courses with each local tournament benefiting one charity in its
community.
o 80 tournaments (75 last season)
o Raised funds for 70 charities (65 last season)
o Tournaments in 30 states (29 last season)
o 2,500 local corporate sponsors (2,000 last season)
o Thousands of volunteers
About the Applied Underwriters Invitational (www.invitational.com)
The Applied Underwriters Invitational, the #1 Charity Event in GolfTM, and its title
sponsor, Applied Underwriters, support charitable partners in local communities,
championing those in need. Each year, more than 12,000 golfers play in approximately
80 tournaments benefitting more than 70 national and local charities across the U.S.
Since its inception, The Invitational has conducted more than 4,500 tournaments,
raising over $300 million in net proceeds for its benefiting charities.
About Applied Underwriters (www.auw.com)
Applied Underwriters® is a global risk services firm that helps businesses and people
manage uncertainty through its business services, insurance and reinsurance
solutions. As a company, Applied Underwriters has been distinguished by its innovative
approaches to client care and by its strong financial strength. Applied Underwriters
operates widely throughout the US, UK, EU and Middle East. Its operational
headquarters is located in Omaha, Nebraska.
Contact: Nathan Enserro, ncenserro@auw.com, 402-342-4900