Jacksonville Disc Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Charity Amidst Devastation

In the early 2000s, the decision was made to include Jacksonville as a stop on the Florida Tour. This move sparked a chain reaction that inspired future Tournament Directors in the city. Over the next four years, tournaments in Jacksonville gained popularity, and standards were set for future events.

In 2006, The River City Disc Golf Association (RCDGA) was formed as an official organization, taking over the legacy of hosting successful tournaments. Recognizing the importance of giving back to the community, RCDGA partnered with the Clara White Mission, a local charity, and began raising money for their cause.

In 2007, the Jacksonville Open kicked off with a bang, thanks in part to the partnership with the Clara White Mission. The tournament's organizers leveraged sponsorships and donations to provide a total event value worth over 200% of initial expectations. A 50/50 raffle was also held during the event, which may not have raised as much as anticipated but still managed to collect $104 for the charity.

The partnership between RCDGA and the Clara White Mission continued to flourish in subsequent years. In 2008, the tournament organizers aimed to increase their donation by tenfold, and with the help of the partnership, they successfully collected over $13,000 for the charity. The PDGA's Endowment Program was also introduced that year, allowing the tournament to donate a portion of its fees to the charity.

In addition to raising funds for the Clara White Mission, RCDGA also implemented new initiatives in 2008, including a Krispy Kreme Donut fundraiser, which generated over $600. The charity donation total reached an impressive $12,000, with a check presented to the Clara White Mission at the end of the event.

The following year, 2009, saw RCDGA's commitment to charitable giving continue, despite economic uncertainty. With the help of a local sponsor and a successful Dominos Pizza fundraiser card campaign, the tournament organizers were able to increase their charity donation by 25% and present a check for $1,500 to the Clara White Mission.

However, the 2009 Jacksonville Open was also marked by tragedy when RCDGA member Clint Ehlers passed away. A beloved figure in the disc golf community, Clint had been instrumental in growing the sport and raising funds for charity. In his honor, RCDGA established a memorial fund, which quickly gained momentum with donations from tournament participants.

A remarkable moment occurred during the 2009 Jacksonville Open when golfers unanimously voted to donate over $475 to the Clint Ehlers Memorial Fund. The event's Pro players also showed their generosity by donating a portion or all of their winnings to the fund, raising an impressive total of over $2,000.

The 2009 Jacksonville Open was more than just a disc golf tournament – it was a testament to the power of community and charitable giving. Despite facing adversity, the event brought together people from all walks of life to make a positive impact on their community. RCDGA's commitment to philanthropy continues to inspire others, and as they look towards the future, their dedication to making a difference will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/jacksonville-open