- The 19 Annual Paul W. Smith Golf Classic scheduled for July 11, 2022, will provide critical funds that go to services benefitting 55,000 young people
- The four charities receiving critical finds from the event include The Children’s Foundation, Detroit PAL, The Children’s Center and Variety the Children’s Charity of Detroit
- The popular event has received increased support from the corporate community including new sponsors
DETROIT, June 15, 2022 – Golfers need not wait long to take that first swing as the Paul W. Smith Golf Classic presented by Ford Motor Company has announced an earlier date this summer. Now scheduled for July 11 at the historic Detroit Golf Club, Detroit’s corporate community has responded enthusiastically in support of one of the most successful fundraisers of its kind in Michigan. The event, which has raised more than $7.7 million net to date, has seen an increase in sponsors with more than a half dozen new sponsors this year.
“Our nonprofits provide unmatched programming to the families they serve,” Paul W. Smith said. “The charities have had to expand their services in the last few years to deal with unprecedented and unforeseen challenges. The need for their critical health and behavioral health services, athletic and school enrichment programs and medical and therapeutic services for children with special needs cannot be overstated.”
Corporations across the metro Detroit community have come together for 19 years to support the Paul W. Smith Golf Classic. Returning as Title Sponsor is News/Talk 760 WJR. The Tournament Sponsor is Ford Motor Company. Presenting Sponsors include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, DTE Energy Foundation, General Motors Corporation, Lear Corporation, and Toyota Motor Sales, USA.
This year Delta Airlines returns as the Official Airline Sponsor. Joining them as new corporate supporters who have stepped up to participate in the event which benefits 55,000 Detroit youth are Art Ashley, Bill Brown Ford, Enbridge, Marygrove Awning, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Trion Solutions, Victor’s Roofing and Weingartz Supply Co.
Other sponsors include Golf Cart Sponsor Meijer, Inc. Turn Sponsor Rocket Mortgage, and Clubhouse Sponsor Stellantis.
The annual tournament has raised over $7.7 million net to date. Beneficiaries include The Children’s Foundation, The Children’s Center, Variety the Children’s Charity of Detroit and Detroit PAL, the original charity. Demand for the vital services provided by the charities has increased in recent years, while resources and contributions have not kept pace.
The 2022 Paul W. Smith Golf Classic returns Monday, July 11 to the historic Detroit Golf Club. Founded in 1899, the original 6-hole course was designed by English golfer William Herbert “Bert” Way. Recently renovated, the private course today offers 36 holes to members and guests.
“Our participants really look forward to the competition,” Paul W. Smith said. “The Detroit Golf Club is a magnificent course, and the clubhouse is most welcoming. What’s more, our golfers truly appreciate the opportunity to network and socialize in-person, on the links and off screens at an in-person event”.
The tournament features a double-shotgun tournament on one of the most beautiful courses and historic golf clubs in the nation. The rounds are followed by live music, fine dining, and an awards ceremony. All safety protocols for COVID-19 will be in place.
The Paul W. Smith Golf Classic holds a special distinction because of the personal commitment and continuous support of event Chairman Paul W. Smith, host of “The Paul W. Smith Show.” The radio program is heard weekday mornings on Cumulus Media’s News/Talk 760 WJR. The Paul W. Smith show will be live from the Detroit Golf Club from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on WJR 760 AM.
Sponsors are provided playing opportunities. A limited number of sponsorships are still available. Paul W. Smith invites members of the public to help support the nearly 55,000 youth served by these charities by becoming a Paul W’s Caring for Kids Club member. Memberships start at less than $10/month and are available at www.paulwsmithgolf.com under Paul’s Caring for Kids Club.
About The Paul W. Smith Golf Classic
The Paul W. Smith Golf Classic has raised over $7.7 million net since 2004. From its inception, Paul W. Smith, legendary radio personality and talk show host from News/Talk 760 WJR, has championed the event, serving as a dedicated event chair and sponsor solicitor. Corporate and community support includes Title Sponsor, Cumulus Media’s News/Talk 760 WJR; and include Tournament Sponsor Ford Motor Company, Presenting Sponsors Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, DTE Energy Foundation, General Motors Corporation, Lear Corporation and Toyota Motor Sales, USA. For more information, and a complete list of sponsors, visit www.paulwsmithgolf.com.
About The Children’s Foundation
The Children’s Foundation is a premier foundation focused on the health and well-being of the children of Michigan and their families by working in collaboration with other organizations in the community. By listening to community needs, The Foundation responds by mobilizing and enhancing resources through innovative partnerships and funding models. Since 2011, the Foundation has distributed more than 75 million dollars in grant funding to more than 140 partners throughout the state. Current initiatives of The Children’s Foundation include Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, The Jamie Daniels Foundation, First Tee- Greater Detroit, Feinberg Hope Foundation, Detroit Excellence in Youth Arts and the Paul W. Smith Charities. Current areas of focus for the Foundation include mental health, nutritional wellness, abuse and neglect, pediatric research, injury prevention and youth development. Learn more at www.YourChildrensFoundation.org.
About Detroit PAL
Detroit PAL was founded in 1969 in an effort to build positive relationships with the police department through sports and youth enrichment programs. This partnership has led to the creation of a youth sports and enrichment organization that positively impacts more than 12,000 children each year to find their greatness through athletics, academics, and leadership development programs. For more information, please visit www.detroitpal.org.
About The Children’s Center
There’s a place that stands for family, for healing, and for hope. Where every child deserves the chance to dream again. That place is The Children’s Center in Detroit. Since 1929, The Children’s Center has been empowering children and families in Greater Detroit to shape their own futures. Annually, nearly 7,500 children and families receive evidence-based, trauma-informed mental and behavioral health services. Child welfare programs include adoption, foster care and services for youth aging out of foster care. Wrap-around services provide basic needs, educational and enrichment resources for the entire family. Generous supporters help children and families overcome emotional and intellectual challenges, trauma from abuse, neglect, and poverty. Learn more about The Children’s Center’s comprehensive services at www.thechildrenscenter.com.
About Variety the Children’s Charity of Detroit
Variety is a children’s charity—simply helping kids no matter the need—by providing vital medical and therapeutic services, essential support, and recreational and educational opportunities for children with unique and special needs. Since 1932, Variety Detroit has been changing the lives of children through core programs to foster inclusion and independence. Whether with the provision of nutritious food or through the mobility that a prescriptive bike or equestrian therapy enables–or even by giving a child a prosthetic arm–Variety services more than 20,000 children annually. To learn more, please visit www.variety-detroit.com
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