TRI-STATE (WFIE) -
The United Leasing Championship is an opportunity for many to see one of the area's premiere golf courses up close.
It's also bringing in money to the community, but it's not just spectators and businesses who are benefitting.
More than 100 local not for profit organizations are getting a piece of the pie as well.
For 101 area nonprofits, joining forces with the United Leasing Championship was basically a no-brainer.
"When they had their first meeting and said, 'this'll be some of the easiest ways to raise money for your organizations,' you know everybody in the room was raising their hands," said Sean Kuykendall with the YMCA.
In exchange for spreading the word about the tournament, local nonprofits like the Y, get money from ticket sales through a program called Golf Gives Back.
Every time someone goes online and buys a $35 week-long pass, they can choose from a list of nonprofits. Whoever they pick receives the majority of that ticket money.
"The reaction from the non profits has really been beyond even what I expected," said Susan Hardwick, the chair of Golf Gives Back.
She says in most similar-sized markets where they host a tournament and offer a program like this, 30 or 35 charities jump on board.
The Tri-State has tripled that.
"They really viewed this as a great opportunity to support the Evansville area to support Victoria National, and Warrick County. All the great things that our community has to offer. And at the same time allowing themselves to participate in the program and finding financial rewards for themselves," Hardwick said.
As of this past weekend, Hardwick says about 1,200 tickets had been sold.
The YMCA says they're up to over 100 tickets benefitting them.
Kuykendall says that money will go toward youth programs including helping some Boy Scouts.
"One of the first things it's going to do is pay for four of those scouts to get a week-long scout experience. These are inner city youth who would never get an opportunity to do that," Kuykendall said.
Another portion of funds, he says, will help with after-school activities at the Caldwell Community Outreach Center.
"We wouldn't be able to do the work we do with youth and families and those most needy in communities without these type of big events," Kuykendall said.
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