Detroit's children's charities and Paul holding up a big check for $482,000
Paul W Smith Golf Classic 19th Annual logo
  • Net proceeds from 19th Annual Paul W. Smith Golf Classic exceed $480,000 bringing total to $8.2 million
  • Thirteen new sponsors joined the storied tournament this year
  • The four charities benefiting from the Golf Classic serve 55,000 youth

DETROIT, July 12, 2022– The 19th annual Paul W. Smith Golf Classic has exceeded projections this year bringing the total net funds raised to $8.2 million since its founding in 2004. Monies raised go directly to four charities, The Children’s Foundation, Detroit PAL, The Children’s Center, and Variety, the Children’s Charity of Detroit. In all, Paul W Smith Golf Classic proceeds support programs that impact the lives of 55,000 youth.

“The real champions are our four charities who continued to provide needed services this year despite declining revenue sources, ongoing challenges from the pandemic along with staffing and supply chain issues,” Paul W. Smith said. “We are extremely proud that the community heard the call and stepped up to help. Thanks to their generosity, we have raised $8.2 million over 19 years. This year 13 new corporate sponsors joined us who understand that the need for the services our charities provide continues to grow. Together we all raised $482,000 in net proceeds. We did that by keeping costs minimal to deliver the most to the youth in need.”

Joining Title Sponsor News/Talk 760 WJR and Tournament Sponsor Ford Motor Company, Detroit’s corporate community provided enthusiastic support this year with thirteen new sponsors joining those who have supported the tournament for years. The Paul W. Smith Golf Classic is considered one of the region’s most productive charity golf outings and is made possible through the support of sponsors.

The Paul W. Smith Golf Classic, held Monday, July 11 at the historic Detroit Golf Club, featured a day of golf, camaraderie, and outdoor dining. The event was attended by three hundred civic, business and community representatives. Proceeds were raised from sponsorships and individual contributions.

While the golf tournament is in the books, the needs of the youth supported by it continue. Members of the public are encouraged to donate to Paul W.’s Caring for Kids Club. Details are at www.paulwsmithgolf.com/paul-ws-caring-for-kids-club/.

The Paul W. Smith Golf Classic Title Sponsor is News/Talk 760 WJR, and Ford Motor Company is Tournament Sponsor. Joining them as Presenting Sponsors were Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, DTE Energy Foundation, General Motors Corporation, Lear Corporation and Toyota Motor Sales, USA. Other sponsors are listed at www.paulwsmithgolf.com/sponsors.

About The Paul W. Smith Golf Classic
The Paul W. Smith Golf Classic has raised $8.2 million net since its founding in 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, please visit www.paulwsmithgolf.com.

NEWS MEDIA Contact: Melissa Bunker / Campbell Marketing & Communications
586-219-0094/ mbunker@campbellmarketing.com

Photo left to right:
Fred Hunter, Acting CEO, Detroit PAL
Paul W. Smith
Michelle Murphy, Executive Director, Variety, the Children’s Charity of Detroit
Cheryl Simon, Chief Philanthropy Officer, The Children’s Center
Larry Burns, President & CEO The Children’s Foundation

Photographer credit: Keith Tolman