In 2007, as part of Genworth Financial’s partnership with the European Tour, Genworth
launched the highly successful Putts For Charity program. Putts For Charity is an innovative way to raise money for charity and in 2007 the initiative raised almost €100,000 for charitable causes across Europe.
In 2008, Putts For Charity was re-launched at the BMW PGA Championship in May with financial support provided this year by the Genworth Foundation. Ross Fisher (Genworth’s new brand ambassador) spoke during the tournament and said “I am delighted to be invited to join the Genworth team as a Brand Ambassador, and I am especially excited to be a part of the Putts for Charity initiative. For me, charity is about providing opportunities and support to those who need it most, so it seems apt that we launch this year’s programme at Wentworth – the club that gave me the opportunities and support that helped me to get where I am today.”
For every one-putt on the course made by professionals at the 2008 BMW PGA Championships, the SAS Masters and the Volvo Masters, the Genworth Foundation will donate £2 to charity. In addition, members of the public have the chance to participate in the Putts For Charity program at these events by putting at the specially designed putting green located in the sponsor village. For each successful one-putt the Genworth Foundation will donate £1 to charity.
In partnership with the Tour and GOLFAID, Pro’s are also encouraged to lend their support at the Putts For Charity putting green as well as on the course! Robert Karlsson, Nick Dougherty and Johan Edfors have all made a £1000 ‘Putt for Charity’ down at the public booth in addition to Ross Fisher’s £5,000 one putt which launched this year’s activity.
The Genworth Foundation is the charitable giving arm of Genworth Financial. The foundation focuses on supporting access to basic needs, enriching seniors’ lives, and providing opportunities to at-risk youth.
Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is the first beneficiary of the 2008 Putts For Charity initiative. Rainbow Trust provides practical and emotional support to families who have a child with a life threatening or terminal illness. They support over 1000 families each year in the UK.
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