More than 500 nonprofits will benefit from money raised during the John Deere Classic. This morning, the tournament announced Birdies for Charity raised a total of $13.4 million. That includes an 8% bonus from the John Deere Foundation.
Tony Carpita, 2018 Volunteer Chairman, says $13.4 million breaks last year's record by more than $1 million. In July, Michael Kim won the Deere Classic by scoring 27-under par during the tournament at TPC Deere Run in Silvis.
Birdies for Charity also held a drawing to give away an extra $1,000 to three nonprofits.
One of the winners is Moline-based, Wells 4 Wellness. Executive Director Pat Herath says the organization helps provide clean water to people in rural Niger, Africa. It has now installed 21 wells.
Since the golf tournament began 47 years ago, it's raised a total of $107 million for charity. Most of that total has been donated with John Deere as the title sponsor of the classic.
