Principal Charity Classic raises more than $8 million for Iowa children's charities in 2023
The Principal Charity Classic raised more than $8 million this year to support Iowa children's charities, Principal Financial Group announced Wednesday.
The Des Moines-based financial services company has been the title sponsor of the PGA Tour Champions event since 2007. Over that timespan, the tournament has raised $53.7 million for Iowa children's charities.
This year's total is slightly lower than the record $8.2 million the tournament raised in 2022.
In June, Stephen Ames won the Principal Charity Classic for the second time in three years when he shot 17 under par, beating Steve Stricker on the final hole.
Held at the Wakonda Club, The Principal Charity Classic benefitted Blank and MercyOne children's hospitals, the United Way of Central Iowa and Variety — the Children's Charity of Iowa. The tournament's Birdies for Charity program supported another 100 nonprofits throughout Iowa.
“Reaching the milestone of over $50 million contributed to Iowa children’s charities over the past 16 years is a testament to the impact that is made when volunteers, sponsors, and fans come together to support our kids," tournament board member Ken McCullum said in a news release. "It continues to highlight the many ways the Principal Charity Classic is about so much more than golf.”
On March 30, Principal Financial Group extended its title sponsorship of the tournament through 2028. About two weeks after the May 31-June 4 tournament ended, the Wakonda Club began a renovation aimed at bringing the 101-year-old course closer to its original design, with new tee boxes and fairway turf and a more efficient irrigation system, as well.
The renovation has been controversial among some members because 180 oak trees nearing the end of their lifespans are being removed. This fall, the club will plant 170 new oak trees.
Philip Joens covers retail, real estate and RAGBRAI for the Des Moines Register. He can be reached at 515-284-8184, pjoens@registermedia.com or on Twitter @Philip_Joens.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: $8 million for Iowa charities raised by Principal Charity Classic
