Helping Our Golf Industry Friends Affected by Hurricane Ian
As you are probably aware, Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida last week, and devastated many parts of the state, including in both the North Florida and South Florida PGA Sections. Thankfully, both Section’s staff and their families remain safe, aside from just a few minor inconveniences, and both offices survived the storm, and are open. However, many PGA Professionals, their families, and facilities, were not as lucky, and there are ways you may help those affected by the storm:
- Donate to an organization or relief fund you know and trust
- Contribute to the PGA Medical and Disaster Relief Fund
- Purchase and send gift cards to the North and South Florida Sections
Every year, PGA Members nationwide are faced with difficult situations that can leave their family in a financial crisis. Through the generosity of PGA Members, the PGA Medical and Disaster Relief Fund provides assistance to members who are faced with temporary financial problems due to serious medical emergencies or the impact of natural disasters. It provides relief for documented out-of-pocket expenses in critical circumstances, to help members and their families get back on their feet faster.
When Irma, Harvey, and Maria hit in 2017, over $500,000 was allocated to PGA Members and Associates from the fund. While Ian was just one storm, the widespread damage was immense, and impacted PGA Professionals throughout Florida. At this time, $400,000 has been allocated to the fund. Still, as we continue to learn of total property losses for PGA Professionals due to the incredible storm and flooding, we could easily surpass the amount currently allocated. Please be aware that there are two separate links so that contributions can be tracked:
- For PGA Professionals, click here.
- For non-PGA Professionals, click here
Gift Card Collection
The North Florida and South Florida PGA Sections are also collecting gift cards, which is may be a great way to help. The gift cards can be sent to our Section offices via the addresses listed below. While any gift card will be accepted, big box stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart may be the most useful.
7450 Sparkling Court
Kissimmee, FL 34747
(386) 256-1221
7201 Georgia Avenue
West Palm Beach, FL 33405
(561) 729-0544
Any help and support you can offer is greatly appreciated by the North and South Florida PGA Sections, and their PGA Professionals, as well as the Philadelphia PGA Section.
About the Philadelphia PGA Section
The Philadelphia PGA Section, covering eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is one of 41 geographical managing entities of the PGA of America. This Section manages nearly 900 PGA Members and Associates who are employed at over 590 golf facilities in our region.