Peter Sturgeon understands the non-profit world of the PGA Tour and how many charities are funded by PGA Tour events. That’s why he said it was so shocking that the Palm Desert-based The Ophelia Project is being named the PGA Tour’s 2024 Charity of the Year.
“We know we do good work, but we also know there are 44 tour events around Canada and the U.S., and they have non-profits in all of those communities,” said Sturgeon, president and CEO of The Ophelia project, part of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Foundation. “It was really quite staggering and an affirmation to our 80 mentors who come alongside these young ladies and help them and support them.”
One of 16 charities funded by The American Express PGA Tour event in La Quinta at a charity distribution breakfast last month, the award from the PGA Tour brings an additional $30,000 to The Ophelia Project.
The Ophelia Project is a five-year mentoring program that provides a supportive environment, training and education for 300 to 400 girls annually in grades 8 through 12. The goal of The Ophelia Project and its volunteers is to help girls stay in school, develop positive values, increase self-esteem, graduate on time with college or career plans and pursue paths to a brighter future.
More: World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, defending champion Nick Dunlap commit to 2025 American Express
Based in Palm Desert since 2014, The Ophelia Project says 5,400 girls have completed the program, achieving a 100% graduation rate.
“It’s exceeding gratifying knowing that we represent thousands of non-profits that the tour gets to help throughout the golf season,” Sturgeon said. “So to be recognized this way is truly an amazing honor. We are a small, local non-profit. We have a big name under the John F. Kennedy Memorial Foundation, but we are just a small non-profit trying to strengthen communities by strengthening young girls.”
Impact Through Golf, The American Express golf tournament’s charitable foundation, announced the PGA Tour honor Thursday.
Sturgeon was also selected to participate in the 2024 American Express Leadership Academy for nonprofit leaders who are changemakers in their sector and have the potential to innovate and enhance their organization’s work.
Peter Sturgeon, president and CEO of The Ophelia Project, which was named the PGA Tour’s 2024 Charity of the Year Thursday. The Palm Desert-based Ophelia Project is one of 16 charities to receive funding from The American Express PGA Tour event in November, part of more than $1 million handed out by the tournament this year.
“To have one of our local nonprofits chosen by the PGA Tour as its Charity of the Year is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring,” said Frank Marzano, chairman of the Impact Through Golf Foundation. “When the board and I met with some of the young women The Ophelia Project has supported, we were moved by their stories of resilience and success as a result of their mentorship experience. The Ophelia Project has made a significant impact on this community through its efforts to empower and support young girls, and this national recognition validates the importance of its work here in the Coachella Valley.”
While the announcement was made Thursday, the Impact Through Golf Foundation actually informed Sturgeon of the award at the charity breakfast in November at La Quinta Country Club, where PGA Tour personnel and cameras recorded an upcoming broadcast segment for the charity.
The Ophelia Project was one of the desert charities that received funds from Impact Through Golf for 2024. The foundation handed out $1,050,000, with the tournament distributing more than $66 million since the event debuted in 1960. Funds go to valley-based nonprofit organizations focused on health and wellness, education, youth and family support, aiding those experiencing homelessness, DEI and capital improvement.
For more information about The Ophelia Project, visit https://desertcharities.com/listing/the-ophelia-project.html
The 66th The American Express will take place Jan. 16-19 at PGA West and La Quinta Country Club. Tickets are now on sale at the tournament’s official website, www.theamexgolf.com/.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Palm Desert’s Ophelia Project for girls named PGA Tour Charity of the Year
