Contributions to area non-profit organizations through this year's John Deere Classic "Birdies for Charity" program set a new record.
$8.7 million. That's nearly $2 million more than the previous record set in 2012, and it's over $2 million more than last year.
Birdies Director Kristy Ketcham Jackson announced at Deere World Headquarters in Moline today that 488 organizations will benefit from contributions through the program-- and a 10% bonus thanks in part to a matching grant from the John Deere Foundation.
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She says every donor knows they're getting an "extra bang for their buck."
The foundation contributed $325,000 to the bonus fund this year.
WVIK is among the non-profit organizations participating in the Birdies program. This year the radio station received more than $7,000 in contributions and bonus money.