LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The PGA of America, which began a connection with Louisville in 1996 by presenting its premier championships, contributing to hundreds of local and statewide charities and supporting minority-owned businesses, has become the first organization to receive the 2008 Champion of Diversity Award by the Louisville Urban League.
The award, begun in 2004, was presented by Louisville Urban League President/CEO Ben Richmond to PGA of America Chief Executive Officer Joe Steranka in a Monday evening ceremony at the Brown Theatre.
The Champion of Diversity Award is dedicated to Arthur M. Walters, former executive director and current president emeritus of the Louisville Urban League, who devoted his life to breaking down barriers and improving the quality of life for all people.
The award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual, business or organization in the promotion of diversity within the community.
In addition to receiving the award for the Association, Steranka presented Richmond with a check for $50,000.
Since 1998, The PGA of America has contributed $500,000 to fund the Louisville Urban Youth Golf Program, which has exposed more than 1,500 inner-city youth to the game of golf.
"Louisville is fortunate to have a strong relationship with The PGA of America, thanks to major events like the 2008 Ryder Cup that contribute so much to Louisville's economy," said Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson. "The PGA also supports Louisville in other ways, by generously donating $500,000 to the Louisville Urban League's youth golf program over the past decade, and through its ongoing commitment to The First Tee of Louisville's youth golf initiative at Shawnee and Long Run parks. These programs are producing the next generation of golfers while teaching the participants important character-building skills, like honesty and teamwork."
According to the Cities in Crisis Report, using 2006 data, Louisville Jefferson County High School had a 52.3 percent graduation rate. Participants in the Louisville Urban Youth Golf Program achieved a 99 percent high school graduation rate and 92 percent of the graduates accepted college scholarships.
"The PGA of America has the distinct honor of being the first organization to ever receive our highest award for commitment to diversity," said Richmond. "We are indebted and extremely appreciative of The PGA's dedicated support of programs that encourage inclusiveness."
The PGA of America's tradition in Louisville includes the 1996 PGA and 2000 PGA Championships, the 2002 PGA Professional National Championship, the 2004 Senior PGA Championship and the 2008 Ryder Cup. This year, the Ryder Cup is benefiting 175 charities with contributions of more than $780,000.
The Urban Youth Golf Program is conducted year-round at Shawnee Golf Course in west Louisville, focusing on youth in grades 5-12, who attend school regularly, advance academically and maintain a positive attitude.
The PGA of America Board of Directors includes Junior Bridgeman, who serves as an independent director. Bridgeman is one of the most prominent business entrepreneurs in the southeast, a former University of Louisville and NBA star and a member of Valhalla Golf Club.
Champion of Diversity Award Recipients
2004 Joan E. Thomas, M.D. and Lee B. Thomas Jr. For outstanding community service and strong advocates of diversity and inclusion
2005 Ed Hamilton Nationally-acclaimed sculptor
2006 Bettie and Charlie Johnson Outstanding business achievement with a dedicated commitment to inner-city youth and financially supporting numerous community initiatives encouraging diversity and inclusion
2007 Hon. Jerry Abramson Outstanding achievement as Mayor of Metro Louisville
2008 Alice and Wade Houston Outstanding business achievement; life-time community service
2008 The PGA of America Cited for past 12 years of building Urban Youth Golf Program; elevating minority-owned businesses at major championships and contributions to Louisville area charitable organizations
,b>The Louisville Urban League:
As an active partner, leader and catalyst, the Louisville Urban League assists African Americans, other minority groups and the disadvantaged to attain social and economic equality and stability through direct services and advocacy.
About The PGA of America:
Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.
By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the $76 billion golf industry.
By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere.
The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.
