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Why We Support The Zach Johnson Foundation

Posted On: July 14, 2017 by ClubProcure in: VGM Club

From http://zachjohnsongolf.com/ZJFClassic.aspx
Written by: Cam Schultz

This past weekend marked the 7th year of The Zach Johnson Foundation Classic. It is a celebrity pro-am put on by Iowa’s own Zach Johnson for his non-profit organization—The Zach Johnson Foundation. VGM Club has participated in this event since 2013. The Zach Johnson Foundation is one of many charities & associations we financially support within the golf industry, but this foundation has led us to reach a little deeper into our pockets each year. Why?

It keeps “Kids on Course”

The dollars raised by the foundation support a program called “Kids on Course” that runs within the Cedar Rapids Community School District & the United Way of Eastern Iowa. Read more on the foundation here: About.

What we hear about the “Kids on Course” program:

  • It gives kids a chance by teaching them to read at or above their grade level.
  • It provides a platform for these kids to gain confidence in themselves.
  • It feeds them when there is no food on the table at home.
  • It is working.

The numbers that Zach’s team showed during the Sunday night gala were awe-inspiring. The kids in this program are reaching academic reading marks at a greater rate than anywhere else in the state.

These kids will eventually become successful adults, that give back to the community, and fill up the area golf courses and country clubs.

A Platform to Enrich Partnerships

The golf tournament and gala held the night before offers a great platform for us to entertain some of VGM Club’s top partners. In year’s past, we have had our friends from John Deere Golf & Crop Production Services among others tee it up with us.

This year we were fortunate to have Bill Goetz and Luis Larrea from Sysco Corporation as well as Gary Peterson and Jeff Wertz from the parent company of VGM Financial tee it up.

“We were fortunate to have one of the classiest guys on the PGA Tour, Cameron Tringale, round out the group,” said Mike Sawyer, VP – contract development, “The birdies were prevalent (-22 on the day), but the volume of laughs, camaraderie, and business ideas far outweighed the score.”

Stories that draw laughs, tears

The tournament highlights some serious talent from Zach’s PGA Tour buddies as well as some star power from Hollywood, the NBA, and the NFL, but it is the gala that gives you tons of laughs.

It is the only event we have attended this year where you can:

  • Hear a PGA Tour wife talk smack directly to her husband about his non-winning streak (hang in there Zach).
  • Find out what Tiger Woods does with all his memorabilia.
  • Get the real scoop on how nice a guy “Philly Mick” (Phil Mickelson) is.
  • See in action why Smylie Kaufman’s real name is Smylie.

Then, just when the laughs really start rolling, you are drawn back into the real purpose of the evening. The stories of success told by the Harrison Elementary Principal. The humble gratitude shown by the 11-year old soccer star that The Zach Johnson Foundation has helped mold into a fine student. It is obvious why the crowd reaches into their pockets to raise $1,018,000. That’s not a typo; over $1 million in one night!

Not bad for a guy who played #3 on his high school golf team.

Not every kid from Cedar Rapids is going to make the PGA Tour, but Zach and his foundation are going to try their best to make sure every kid has an opportunity to become a success.

That is why VGM Club is proud to play a part in The Zach Johnson Foundation. We are already looking forward to next year.

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