AKRON, Ohio — From Akron Children's Hospital to Cleveland Kids' Book Bank, to The Edna House and Empower Sports, more than 25 different non-profits are set to benefit from the Kaulig Companies Championship next month.
As Kaulig Companies Executive Chairman and 3News contributor Matt Kaulig explains, the golf tournament has a long history of giving back to Northeast Ohio.
"They've been golfing here in Akron at Firestone, this is the 71st year. So they've given over 32 million to charity."
That tradition of sportsmanship, and giving back, is one that is etched in Akron's history. And it's now getting new life thanks to Kaulig Companies who took over as sponsor in 2023. In their first year, the championship, which is one of the five majors on the Senior PGA tour raised 1.2 million dollars. This year, their goal is even greater.
"I know we're going to surpass that this year. Not sure how much that's going to be, but I know it'll be more than 1.3 million," Kaulig told 3News anchor Jay Crawford.
It's a "hole in one" for those non-profits selected to benefit. 3News cameras were there when representatives gathered at Progressive Field for a preview event of what's to come at Akron's Firestone Country Club in July.
"This is a chance to recognize all of them and a little bit of a chance to say thank you," Kaulig said of the event, which also featured a friendly closest to the pin competition.
It was also an opportunity for representatives from the non-profits to say thank you, and explain just how much this support means to their missions.
"The Northeast Ohio Foundation for Patriotism, which is a big military family supporter, could not function without the support of the Kaulig Championship Series. Their support is key in helping us provide funding for the multitude of programs we help sponsor, not only for veterans but military families," explained Senior Advisor Emeritus Rick DeChant of NEOPAT. "By buying a ticket to the Kaulig Championship Series, you are helping to support that mission and serving that we can serve those who have served us so well."
Also grateful for the tournament - First Tee Greater Akron.
"The giving from the tournament allows us to reach more kids. Our past three years have been historic years with kids through the program. Last year alone in Summit County, we reached just over 18,000 kids," explained Executive Director Jeff O'Brien.
Not only do the proceeds benefit great causes, Kaulig Companies President and CEO Tim Clepper promises, an incredible experience for everyone. The tournament will also feature live music, food trucks, fan experiences and more.
"We have converted the actual parking lot up by the water tower into a full what we call the Infinity Zone, and that's where we have the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame stage. We'll have 10 different bands playing all during the week."
All setting the stage for an event and continued legacy sure to unite the community for many years to come.
"Akron is our home," Kaulig explained. "It's just a great way to give back to the community and just be even more involved. So we're trying to make the college companies championship as big as we can, as great as we can."
You can learn more about the Kaulig Companies Championship and buy tickets here.
WATCH: Matt Kaulig previews the Kaulig Companies Championship with Betsy Kling in the below video.