Members of the Akron Children’s Women’s Board volunteered at the 2024 Kaulig Companies Championship,
The Kaulig Companies Championship golf tournament exemplifies how philanthropy and volunteerism make a winning team.
Since 1984, the tournament, held annually at the historic Firestone Country Club in Akron, has generated more than $32 million in grants to northeast Ohio nonprofits through its philanthropic arm, Northern Ohio Golf Charities & Foundation (NOGCF). More than $3.8 million has been given to Akron Children’s Women’s Board.
For almost as long, representatives from the Women’s Board have volunteered at the event, checking credentials of the guests.
“We have a staff of five, so volunteers help us put on a tournament and other events that draw thousands and deliver memorable experiences,” said Don Padgett, executive director of the Kaulig Companies Championship. “Volunteers are a key part in giving back to local organizations.”
Ambassadors of Akron
In July, 31 Women’s Board members volunteered more than 500 hours at the Kaulig Companies Championship, including Barb Varley, Women’s Board president, and Jodi Vrabec, chair of the Women’s Board Golf Committee.
“It’s fun and a great way to work as a team to represent the Women’s Board, but because the event draws national attention and guests, we’re really serving as ambassadors for Akron Children’s and the Akron community,” said Jodi. “It’s a nice opportunity for us to be a small but important part of a bigger event.” Barb said the event brings together volunteers from other groups in the region as well. “To me, this is part of our mission of serving, raising funds for the hospital and having an impact on the children in the community,” she said. “We also encourage the Women’s Board, our friends and family to attend the event because a portion of every ticket goes back to Akron Children’s.”
In addition to the tournament, the Ambassador of Golf event, which featured Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning this year, generates funds for NOGCF. Bobby Dinkins, director of donor communications for Akron Children’s Foundation, served as chair of this year’s event. Danielle Thompson, executive director of NOGCF, said this year’s Ambassador of Golf event was the highest-netting event in its history.
“Each year, we give to some signature charities, like Akron Children’s, but we also accept grant applications to fund capital needs,” she said. “This year, we granted funds to 50 organizations totaling $1.2 million. It is so rewarding to see how the Ambassador of Golf event and the tournament can impact our community.”
Funding critical needs
The funds received from NOGCF are used by the Women’s Board to fund a variety of projects. “This year, we’re wrapping up a $1.5 million pledge to the Rehabilitation department of the hospital,” said Barb. “We’re also using some of the funding to support the Walk for Babies Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) fund and the Reunion Good Cheer fund. We were happy to support those funds as they align well with our mission.”
“At a time when volunteerism across the country is decreasing due to people’s busy lives, our work with the Kaulig Companies Championship is an example of the value of volunteering and being part of a volunteer-based board,” said Barb. “Kaulig Companies invested in this sponsorship, and it has caused a positive ripple effect on kids and families in our community.”
“Akron Children’s and the Kaulig Companies Championship are pillars in this community,” said Don. “Whether you attend the events or volunteer, you are helping us make a big difference in the lives of families right here in our region.”
Click here to learn more about joining the Akron Children’s Women’s Board.
