Charitable Giving

On the steps of city hall, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry led a group of community leaders and representatives from various charitable organizations to proclaim July 13 as THE PLAYERS Championship Charity Day in celebration of THE PLAYERS Championship reaching several charitable milestones as a result of the 2018 event. Tournament Volunteer Leadership and Jared Rice, Executive Director of THE PLAYERS, joined as part of the celebration to announce that the tournament reached more than $100 million in total donations, surpassed a 10-year goal of $50 million generated for local non-profits that promote youth education, health and wellness and character development and that the 2018 tournament generated a record-setting $9 million to local charities.

"We honor and thank all of those associated with THE PLAYERS Championship by making today's proclamation," Mayor Curry said. "This tournament serves as a global showcase for our community to the world. We should all take a minute to reflect on how fortunate our area is to have an entity like THE PLAYERS Championship that has made a significant impact on so many lives throughout Northeast Florida.”

“While the numbers are astounding -- $100 million in total, $50 million to youth-related charities and $9 million in 2018 alone – it is the stories of the work being done by the charities and the lives that these charities touch that are the hallmark of THE PLAYERS Championship,” said Executive Director of THE PLAYERS Championship Jared Rice. “Many thanks to our Proud Partners – Optum, Morgan Stanley and Grant Thornton—the more than 2,000 volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the year and our fans for their tremendous support of THE PLAYERS. I am also thankful to Mayor Curry for recognizing the work being done by everyone who makes this community event such a continued success and a showcase of excellence. It is an honor to celebrate THE PLAYERS Championship Charity Day.”

“As THE PLAYERS 2018 tournament chairman, I would like to personally thank, and congratulate, not only the 2,000-plus volunteers who dedicated countless hours to further this year’s success, but also all of those who have volunteered their time and energy to be a part of the overall charitable efforts through the years,” said 2018 tournament chairman Damon Olinto. “Today we announced that THE PLAYERS reached two phenomenal milestones, which would not have been possible without their support. Moments like this are what make us proud to be involved with THE PLAYERS and why these volunteers come back year-after-year.”

During the event, THE PLAYERS surprised the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus with a 33-passanger van, Hart Felt Ministries with a handicapped accessible van and the Police Athletic League (P.A.L) and Jacksonville’s School for Autism with 15-passanger vans.