(WXYZ) — The first-ever Rocket Mortgage Classic earned more than $1 million for local charities, the tournament announced on Wednesday.
According to tournament officials, the Rocket Giving Fund had more than $1.2 million in disbursements to seven primary beneficiaries, Birdies for Charity recipients and other nonprofits. More than $1.1 million was sent to nonprofits based in the city of Detroit.
The breakdown for the donation is:
- $225,000 to Midnight Golf, which helps under-served young people transition from high school to college and into a professional career
- $200,000 to the Detroit Children’s Fund, which makes high-potential investments to expand successful schools, greatly improve lower-performing schools, and discover and develop talented educators so that every child in Detroit has the opportunity to receive an excellent education
- $150,000 to the Greater Palmer Park Community, a collection of seven neighborhoods around Palmer Park and the Detroit Golf Club dedicated to the holistic improvement and advancement of the entire area
- $125,000 to First Tee of Greater Detroit, which impacts the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf
- $100,000 to the Rickie Fowler Foundation, which handles the philanthropic work of Rocket Mortgage spokesman Rickie Fowler
- $92,340 to the Detroit Police Athletic League (Detroit PAL), a Rocket Mortgage partner that builds character in young people through athletic, academic, and leadership development programs
- $20,000 to the Detroit Golf Club Caddie Scholarship Foundation which helps their caddies achieve their higher education dreams
“The Rocket Mortgage Classic gives us the opportunity to highlight the city we call home. We are especially proud of how the tournament is a vehicle to engage and benefit many local organizations and their ability to impact the residents of Detroit,” Quicken Loans CEO Jay Farner said in a release. “We are thankful to all the fans and sponsors who supported the event and helped us maximize our work through the Rocket Giving Fund, which will benefit thousands of Detroiters.”
Another donation, more than $310,000, was donated to Birdies for Charity, which supports more than 170 nonprofit organizations.
“Beyond the exciting play, awards, and attendance that punctuated the inaugural Rocket Mortgage Classic, today we recognize the success of the tournament through its impact on organizations across Detroit,” said Rocket Mortgage Classic Executive Director Jason Langwell. “There are amazing things happening in our city, and to be able to meaningfully contribute to nonprofits that are doing such valuable work in our own neighborhoods is incredibly rewarding.”
"These funds will allow us to continue to provide our students resources and expanded opportunities that will enhance their foundation for a successful future in college, their careers and beyond,” said Reneé Fluker, Founder and President of the Midnight Golf Program. "As a primary beneficiary of the Rocket Mortgage Classic, our students received access to a world-class event in their hometown which included career and networking opportunities. We are grateful to the Rocket Giving Fund, Quicken Loans and the entire Rocket Mortgage Classic team for their support, leadership and generosity."
The Rocket Mortgage Classic will return to Detroit from May 25-31 at the historic Detroit Golf Club starting on Memorial Day. Tickets and more information can be found at RocketMortgageClassic.com
