Andover Country Club Hosting PGA Reach New England Fundraiser Monday

ANDOVER, MA —Pledges still are being accepted for PGA Reach New England's second annual Birdies 2 Benefit (B2B) fundraiser, which will take place Monday at Andover Country Club.

The all-day event will feature a number of New England PGA (NEPGA) professionals playing 54 holes of golf, with each birdie generating money for charity. The proceeds will benefit Boston Children's Hospital and Special Olympics Massachusetts.

"The generosity of PGA Reach New England will directly help patients and families looking for lifesaving answers," said Michael Bornhorst, associate vice president of Corporate Development, Leadership Giving and Special Events at Boston Children's Hospital Trust.

Bornhorst continued: "So often, families come to Boston Children's as the last hope to heal their child. This support will help ease parents' burden, fuel research and cover services that insurance doesn't pay for. We're so grateful for organizations like PGA Reach New England who provide crucial support."

Mary Beth McMahon, president and CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts, said her organization carries out the Special Olympics' mission —providing year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities —and helps individuals and organizations champion the mission in their own communities.

"The NEPGA community has always been such a great example of this impact as a partner to Special Olympics Massachusetts and we are so excited to be expanding that relationship to the second Birdies 2 Benefit fundraiser," McMahon said. "We can’t wait for August 15th and look forward to a day where we can all experience inclusion."

People interested in supporting the effort can go to the Birdies 2 Benefit website, where they can sponsor a player and decide how much they will donate per birdie. It's also possible to make a flat-rate donation.

The inaugural event in 2021, also at Andover Country Club, raised $244,844. The 2022 fundraising goal is $300,000, according to the PGA Reach New England, which is the New England PGA's charitable foundation.

"Andover Country Club and the New England PGA have had a long-running partnership, hosting education opportunities, meetings and tournaments," said CJ Talbert, Andover CC's head professional. "We're truly honored to have Birdies 2 Benefit return this year and I know our ownership and membership will support such a great cause."