In November, 38 local organizations received charitable contributions from the 2014 Humana Challenge totaling $800,000, a 25% growth from the
previous year.
Desert Classic Charities, the local nonprofit entity that organizes the Humana Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation, presented to nonprofits in three categories: structured programs for children (including Boys & Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters); rehab, social and support services (such as Desert Arc; Desert Cancer Foundation; Guide Dogs of the Desert); and food and shelter for the hungry, homeless and abused (Martha’s Village and Kitchen; Operation Safe House; Shelter from the Storm, among others).
Included in the total contributions for 2014 was a donation of $200,000 presented to Eisenhower Medical Center, the event’s primary beneficiary since its inception in1960. During the past 55 years, the event has generated more than $56 million in donations to Eisenhower Medical Center and charities within the Coachella Valley.
This year’s event, taking place January 19-25, is shaping up to be bigger and better with a strong field including Phil Mickelson, Keegan Bradley, Jason Dufner, Zach Johnson, Brandt Snedeker, and European Tour players Luke Donald (former World No. 1) and Ian Poulter. Play will take place on the same courses as last year: the Arnold Palmer Private Course at PGA WEST, the Jack Nicklaus Private Course at PGA WEST and La Quinta Country Club.
As you’ve probably heard, the 2016 event will see significant changes including a new title sponsor (hopefully) and two new courses (not announced at print time).
But will the focus on health and wellness continue? According to Bob Marra, the executive director/CEO of the Humana Challenge, that is the plan. “Our goal is to have a new title sponsor that understands what we are doing and how we are benefiting greatly from doing it.” The decision to accept a new sponsor is shared by the PGA Tour, the Clinton Foundation and Desert Charities; Marra states that the majority of top sponsors being considered are in that genre.
“The partnership with the Clinton Foundation will continue and as such, it is our goal to secure a title sponsor who will help us carry out that mission,” he adds.
The Clinton Foundation will continue to hold their annual conference, the Health Matters Activation Summit, around the tournament, attracting industry leaders from across the country to discuss and develop initiatives to improve health nationally. This year’s summit will take place following the tournament on January 25-27.
Tournament fans and the community at large will once again enjoy the Humana Well Being Walk and Healthy Fun Fair on Saturday (1/17) which will take place in the new location of La Quinta Civic Center Park. Humana Day at the Certified Farmers Market in Old Town will return as well, featuring cooking demonstrations hosted by area chefs.
The Humana Walk It program also returns, offering golf fans and community members an opportunity to walk not only for their personal health, but also to generate charitable donations. Last year community members walked more than 126,000 miles together which generated $50,000 of the aforementioned contributions presented to local charities.
For more information on this year’s Humana Challenge and a full schedule of events, visit HumanaChallenge.com or call (760) 346.8184.
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