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Birdies for Charity sets a new record

WVIK, Quad Cities NPR | By Michelle O'Neill

Published October 31, 2023 at 4:27 PM CDT

A sign shows the total amount raised through Birdies for Charity 2023 and 2022

This morning at the John Deere Pavilion in Moline, local nonprofits picked up their checks from the fundraising arm of the John Deere Classic golf tournament.

Andrew Lehman, Micaela Booth, and Sue Rector (right to left) pose for a photo

Sue Rector, tournament chair, says the $14.1 million raised through Birdies in 2023 is "the biggest metric of impact on our community."

This year's 7.5% match from the bonus fund totals more than $1 million. The money comes from tournament revenue, direct donations, and a John Deere matching grant. Deere and Company also pays the administrative cost of the Birdies program, so 100% of all donations goes directly to the 478 participating charities.

Andrew Lehman, tournament director, says title sponsor, John Deere, has also committed to holding "Concerts on Course" for three more years.

Members of the John Deere Classic board are all smiles as they hand out checks to officials from Quad Cities nonprofits.

Since 1971, Birdies for Charity has raised over $173 million. This year's $14.1 million raised again makes the John Deere Classic No. 1 in per capita contributions on the PGA Tour.

Also today, Diane Moore of Moline won a two-year lease on a new car from Smart Lexus of the Quad Cities for correctly guessing the number of birdies scored during the 2023 John Deere Classic tournament and Wednesday's ProAm (1,929).

Diane Moore reacts to starting a new Lexus marking the beginning of her two-year lease for winning the Birdies for Charity contest.

WVIK participates in Birdies for Charity and received a check for more than $23,000 plus a bonus fund check.