The 2021 Butterfield Bermuda Championship has generated more than half a million dollars for 47 local nonprofits raising a total of $646,729. The figure makes the official PGA TOUR event one of the island’s single most successful charitable fundraising efforts since the 35th America’s Cup in 2017.
The Birdies for Charity programme, a matching fund programme that has seen great success amongst PGA TOUR events, was the biggest contributor to the participating Bermuda charities which represent a wide range of worthy causes. During 2021 participating charities received every penny they raised plus a match on every donation. The matching funds were made possible by the title and programme sponsors; Butterfield, Bermuda Tourism Authority, Digicel Business, AXA XL, the Hamilton Princess Hotel and Beach Club, Island Construction, Somerset Re and BF&M. All recognized nonprofits are welcome to participate, and any interested parties should contact the tournament.
Local charities also benefitted through the BF&M Volunteer Programme which donated $200 on behalf of each volunteer to a recognized charity of their choice. Those who want to volunteer can express their interest via the website and a notification will be sent when opportunities open in the summer.
“The total funds raised are thanks to the generous support from our sponsors, volunteers, supporters, and fans. We wish to extend our thanks and congratulations to you all,” said Sean Sovacool, Executive Director at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship. “Each PGA TOUR event is committed to maximising charitable giving and having a positive impact on the local community. Since its debut in 2019, the tournament has raised over $1.1 million. We are grateful to Butterfield, the Bermuda Tourism Authority and all of our partners for sharing in our fundraising efforts and extending that support throughout Bermuda.”
“The amount of money that has been raised for Bermuda is a great example of how this event, and our partnership with the PGA TOUR, is about more than just golf,” said Michael Collins, Chairman & CEO, Butterfield. “Butterfield has always supported initiatives and organisations working to foster social progress in the communities we call home and our employees regularly volunteer their time and efforts as well. The Birdies for Charity programme has increased the potential for charitable impact tremendously and, as a title sponsor until 2023, we look forward to doing more together.”
The Bermuda Professional Golfers’ Association’s annual bursary was established this year for a Bermudian seeking a career in golf and was awarded to Andrew Francis-Trott. Additional funds were also provided to support the Bermuda Junior Championship and the Louis Rafael Kid Corbin Classic honoring diversity in golf.
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