THE PLAYERS Championship Launches 2012 Chip in for Youth program

September 30, 2011

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL. – THE PLAYERS announced the launch of its Chip in for Youth program that gives schools, parent-teacher organizations, youth athletic programs and youth-related charitable organizations a unique opportunity to raise funds for their programs. Originally known as Chip in for Youth Sports, the new program encourages all youth-related organizations that are a 501c(3) in the five-county area of Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns to take part in the program and raise much-needed funds for youth organizations.

“Today more than ever, local schools and youth organizations need funds to support their programs and continue to provide extracurricular activities for children,” said Matt Rapp, Executive Director of THE PLAYERS. “Chip in for Youth gives schools and youth-related organization the opportunity to raise funds for supplies, equipment, uniforms or any needs they may have.”

To raise funds, organizations are encouraged to promote the sale of a discounted $40 Good Any-One-Day ticket to the 2012 PLAYERS. Tickets are regularly $55. For each ticket sold, $25 will be directly donated back to the organization that sold the ticket. The remaining net proceeds, after fees, will be donated to The First Tee, a nonprofit golf organization focused on improving children’s lives through the game of golf.

“Last year, the Ponte Vedra High School Booster Club raised $25,650 through the Chip in for Youth program, which will help fund the high school’s sports for the 2011-2012 school year,” said Cathie Hurlburt, Senior Manager of Charitable Outreach for THE PLAYERS. “St. Johns Middle School Athletic Association raised more than $17,000 in one month’s time. It is easy to see how this program can raise substantial funds for an organization whose parents and youth are dedicated to its improvement and continuation.”

To participate, youth-related organizations must register at www.chipinforyouth.com. Tickets can be purchased online through Ticketmaster or they can be requested on consignment. The organization which raises the most will receive a $5,000 bonus and the second place organizations will receive a $2,500 bonus.

“The Chip in for Youth program offered by THE PLAYERS is amazing,” said Jerry Shepherd, head coach of the Ponte Vedra High School Varsity Softball team. “It enabled us to raise more money than any other fundraising effort! And it was easy! Because of Chip In, we are able to make much needed improvements to our ball field and our softball program that we wouldn’t have been able to fund.”

The Chip in for Youth program started on Thursday, Sept. 6, and ends Monday, April 23, 2012. To learn more about the program and register, visit www.ChipInForYouth.com.

THE PLAYERS Championship will take place May 7-13, 2012. Each year, youth 18 and younger are admitted free of charge to the tournament when accompanied by a ticketed adult.  There is no limit to the number of youth 18 and younger who can attend with a ticketed adult. More information about THE PLAYERS is available at www.pgatour.com/theplayers.