JDC Announces Inaugural “Giving Week” to Boost Bonus Fund

The John Deere Classic today announced it will conduct its first-ever “Giving Week,” June 17-23, to raise money for the Birdies for Charity Bonus Fund.

Tournament staff and others will participate in a variety of activities aimed at raising money for the Bonus Fund, culminating with a celebrity bartending event on Thursday, June 21, at the Barrel House, 1321 5th Avenue, in downtown Moline. Ten percent of sales will go to the Fund.

Several government entities have proclaimed the week of June 17-23 “Giving Week” in order to draw attention to the effort, including Annawan, Bettendorf, Coal Valley, East Moline, Moline, Rock Island, and Scott County.

The Bonus Fund enables the tournament to match donations that more than 500 Birdies for Charity participants raise via the highly successful pledge drive, which helped raise a record $12.3 million last year. The guaranteed match is five percent but the goal is to do more.

“The Birdies for Charity Bonus Fund enables the John Deere Classic to provide our participating charities with a donation over and above what they collect though the pledge program,” said tournament director Clair Peterson.  “While we guarantee a five percent match, we have undertaken the ‘Giving Week’ initiative to continue to match at a higher level.”

The Bonus Fund consists of tournament revenues, lump sum donations from individuals and foundations, and, now, Giving Week. The goal is to ensure that the Bonus Fund reaches $1 million.  The John Deere Foundation matches donations up to $325,000. 

For information on how to donate, visit the John Deere Classic web page or the tournament’s social media outlets, including its Facebook page, Twitter or Instagram accounts.