The Principal Charity Classic Awards $750,000 to Local Children’s Charities

October 7, 2011

By PGA TOUR Staff

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa—The 2011 Principal Charity Classic will donate a record $750,000 to local children’s charities, tournament officials announced Oct. 6 at Glen Oaks Country Club, site of the annual Champions Tour tournament.

“The 2011 Principal Charity Classic was a tremendous success, attracting a record crowd of 75,000. With the help of our 1,200 volunteers, sponsoring businesses and community partners, we’re proud of another great year,” said Larry Zimpleman, chairman, president and CEO of The Principal. “This tournament provides families, golf fans and young professionals the chance to experience all Des Moines has to offer. Most important, it’s a chance to give back.”

“The great effort of the players, sponsors, and volunteers result in not only an outstanding fan experience, but a world-class charity event,” said Mary O’Keefe, chair, The Principal Charity Classic board and senior vice president, The Principal. We’re proud and humbled to have such a positive impact on children’s charities.”

The Principal Charity Classic received the “Players Award” for the 2010 tournament, ranking it the No. 1 stop for Champions Tour professionals. In 2009, the tournament was named the Best Managed Event on the Tour, an award recognizing community support, attendance, charitable impact and on-site presentation.

Over the past five years, The Principal Charity Classic has raised more than $3 million for local children’s charities. Donations from the 2011 tournament will be distributed to five “FORE Our Kids” charities, as well as to more than 75 Birdies for Charity organizations.

The five “FORE Our Kids” charities are:

• Blank Children’s Hospital
• BRAVO Greater Des Moines
• The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines (tournament host organization)
• United Way of Central Iowa
• Variety, The Children’s Charity