NOPGA Section Foundation’s Birdies & Charity Aims to Raise $175,000 for Youth and Military
More than 70 members of the Northern Ohio Section of the Professional Golfers Association will attempt to raise at least $175,000 for the NOPGA Foundation on Monday, September 15th by playing 72 holes in one day at Medina Country Club in the sixth annual Smucker’s Birdies & Charity event.
The area professionals have secured pledges of various amounts from their respective club members for each birdie their teams make over MCC’s 6,595 yards. More than 30 teams have registered. 2025 TEAMS LIST >
In 2024 the event raised $170,000, raising the five-year total to nearly $700,000.
All proceeds will be donated to support the NOPGA Foundation’s mission of changing lives through golf.
“We have a single purpose and that’s to raise vital funds for the Northern Ohio PGA Section Foundation,” said NOPGA Executive Director David Griffith. “This event has quickly become one of the most meaningful traditions on our calendar, not for how many birdies we make, but for the lives changed because of our support.”
PLEDGE/DONATE: 2025 Smucker’s Birdies & Charity >
The impact of the Foundation’s contributions have led to numerous philanthropical concerns such as:
Scholarships: Over $30,000 Awarded to high school seniors for academics, leadership, and financial need
Junior Tour Financial Assistance: More than $10,000 awarded to junior golfers in need ensuring their opportunity to participate in NOPGA Junior Tour tournaments
Clubs Fore Kids: 135 full sets of clubs provided – with instruction – to juniors and high school teams across Northern Ohio. The contribution lead to the creation of a new high school team and the revival of the Girls Golf program at Warren G. Harding after a seven-year absence
PGA HOPE: 22 6-8 week instructional programs across our section serving more than 320 armed forces Veterans, using golf as a powerful form of therapy and connection
“We believe in the power of golf and the Birdies & Charity event helps us create brighter futures across Northern Ohio,” Griffith said. “Birdies & Charity is proof that golf is about much more than a scorecard. It’s about using our game to change lives. Every swing at Medina has the potential to impact a veteran, a junior golfer or even a complete high school team that might not otherwise have the chance to play.”
The professionals frequently go above and beyond to guarantee success. For instance, Portage Country Club Head Professional Adam Lewicki played 100 holes instead of limiting his efforts to 72 holes in 2024. Lewicki’s efforts helped his Portage team raise over $10,000.
Teams from Westwood Country Club, Westfield Country Club, Barrington Golf Club, Glenmoor Country Club and Firestone Country Club also hit the $5,000 mark in 2024.
The Kirtland Country Club team, led by Head Professional Mark Bixler and Assistant Professional Weston Lucas have raised more than $100,000 over the last five years.
Smucker’s has been the proud sponsor of the event since its inception.
