PDGA Continues Fight Against Cancer
PDGA Continues Fight Against Cancer
In 2013, the PDGA started an initiative to increase women’s participation in disc golf events while also raising money for an incredibly important cause, the fight against cancer. Each year during the month of October, the PDGA donates $2 for every female that competes in a PDGA-sanctioned event to charity. In 2016, the organization selected was the Dempsey Center.
“Founded in Lewiston, Maine, the Dempsey Center offers a vibrant and compassionate environment where an interdisciplinary team of oncology professionals improve the healing experience for those impacted by cancer. Through our on-site customized programs, and the annual Dempsey Challenge, we provide support services that complement treatments, support caregivers, patients and their families equally.
If the name Dempsey sounds familiar, it’s because you’ve probably seen the founder’s name, actor Patrick Dempsey. Dempsey has starred in dozens of films and television shows including Grey’s Anatomy, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, and Bridget Jones’ Baby. Patrick even took the time to make a video for the women of the USWDGC wishing them luck and thanking them for supporting his cause.
The PDGA staff and the women who participated in the 2016 United States Women's Disc Golf Championship (USWDGC) in Sabattus, Maine were moved by the Dempsey Center's commitment to making a difference. Through the USWDGC fundraising efforts alone, the Dempsey Center received $2,420 from dedicated disc golfers. Thanks to the 1,345 women and girls who participated in PDGA events this past October plus an additional $200 raised at the Magnolia Open, the Dempsey Center received an additional $2,890 for a grand total donation of $5,310!
Women’s PDGA memberships have increased by 78 percent since the October initiative began just a few years ago from 1,525 active women members in 2013 to 2,728 at the end of 2016. The first October initiative in 2013 saw a total of 625 female competitors in PDGA-sanctioned events. That number has more than doubled in 2016 with 1,345 women and girls out on the courses.
More women are competing in tournaments, running tournaments, and starting women-only clubs than ever before. The PDGA will once again be raising money and encouraging women to compete this coming October, with the charitable organization yet to be selected. Additionally, the PDGA will be dedicating other resources to attract, encourage, and retain more participation by women in organized disc golf events.
Previous Donations
From 2013 through 2015 the PDGA selected the Young Survival Coalition (YSC) for the October initiative charity. The YSC is the premier global organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women diagnosed with breast cancer. YSC offers resources, connections, and outreach, so these women feel supported, empowered and hopeful.
- In 2013, there were 625 female participants in PDGA sanctioned events during the month of October that raised a total of $1250 from the PDGA. Prodigy stepped up and matched this donation through the sale of special edition pink discs, bringing the total donated to $2500.
- In 2014, there were 682 female participants totaling $1,364 raised in player fees plus a $612 donated from the United States Women’s Disc Golf Championship’s raffle and silent auction set up by Tournament Directors, Mom and Old Man Wallis.
- In 2015 with the increase in female participation in disc golf events (866 in the month of October) the player fees donation to YSC increased to $1,732.
Women's Disc Golf Resources
For more information about women's disc golf, see the links below.
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