AT&T nears $100 million in charity

D.A. Points (left) embraces the charitable nature of the PGA TOUR, with people like amateur partner Bill Murray helping drive that point home.
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November 8, 2011

By PGA TOUR Staff

PEBBLE BEACH, CA--On Tuesday, November 8, the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, the group which runs the AT&T Pro-Am, announced that this year's tournament raised a record $8 million for charity. With the $8 million, the total amount raised for charity since the tournament moved to the Monterey Peninsula in 1947 is now at $94 million.

To celebrate the anticipated achievement of surpassing a total of $100 million come the 2012 AT&T Pro-Am, the Foundation announced its 'Drive to $100 Million' campaign to bring awareness to the charitable impact the tournament has had over the years.

Among those participating in the official launch of the drive were representatives from four nonprofit organizations who have received substantial grants over the years — Dr. Diane Harrison of Cal State Monterey Bay, Dr. Steven packer of Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, Diane Ferraro of the Boys and Girls Club of Monterey County and Barry Phillips of The First Tee of Monterey County.

"The AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am has a longstanding tradition as a charitable leader. To approach $100 million in charitable donations is a tremendous accomplishment and is emblematic of the PGA Tour's belief that 'Together, anything is possible,'" PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem stated. "Congratulations to the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Pebble Beach, the tournament staff, sponsors and volunteers who have worked so diligently as the tournament approaches this impressive milestone."

The $94 million raised to date is the second most among all PGA Tour events. Only the Byron Nelson Classic has raised more.

The Foundation awards grants with a focus on programs which benefit youth, education, health and human services, community and environment as well as arts and culture. Information on the grant application process can be found at the Foundation website, www.montereypeninsulafoundation.org.

The 2012 AT&T Pro-Am is slated for Feb. 6-12. Last week, reigning Pro-Am champ Bill Murray confirmed that he will be returning to defend his title. Other celebrities who have committed early include Chris O'Donnell, George Lopez, Ray Romano, Kenny G and Huey Lewis.