Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open Another Charitable Success

November 2, 2011

By PGA TOUR Staff

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla.—Chairman, CEO and President of Winn-Dixie Inc. Peter Lynch announced at the culmination of this year’s Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open presented by Planters  that the 2011 event surpassed the record-breaking $1.6 million raised for charity in its inaugural year.  With the help of the PepsiCo TICKETS Fore CHARITY program, the 2011 event raised a record $1.8 million for charity.

“To give more money to charity than we gave last year and provide even more financial support to charities in our area is something we’re thrilled at Winn-Dixie to be a part of. We could not have done it without the incredible support of our sponsors, media partners, volunteers, spectators, and the local charities selling our tickets through the PepsiCo TICKETS Fore CHARITY program,” said Lynch.“This is why we partnered with the PGA TOUR to bring the Nationwide Tour to our hometown of Jacksonville. Charity is the real winner here.”

Proceeds from the 2011 Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open benefit the Winn-Dixie Foundation, which supports hundreds of non-profit organizations in the communities Winn-Dixie, one of the nation’s largest food retailers, serves. The Winn-Dixie Foundation focuses on giving back in the areas of health, women and children, education and hunger.

Contributing to the total of $1.8 million, the TICKETS Fore CHARITY program accounted for more than $225,800 for non-profit organizations in the area. The program offers local non-profits the opportunity to sell tournament tickets and keep 100 percent of the sales they generate. In the second year of the event, 175 charities sold approximately $225,800 in tickets. Those charities will also split a $50,000 bonus pool generously provided by PepsiCo, bringing the total that local charities will earn and receive to approximately $275,800.

"The Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open presented by Planters is a shining example of what can happen when the PGA TOUR partners with a great sponsor like Winn-Dixie and receives the backing of so many selfless, dedicated volunteers,” said Nationwide Tour President Bill Calfee.  “The impact of this one week of golf will be significant on a great number of organizations and individuals throughout the year.”