$10,000 Donation Will Support a Charity Golf Event Driving Meaningful Impact
LINCOLN, Neb.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–GolfStatus, Dormie Network, and Dormie Network Foundation are proud to announce the return of Play It Forward, an annual campaign celebrating the nonprofit organizations and charity golf events that are changing lives through the game of golf. Now in its sixth year, Play It Forward will award one deserving golf fundraiser with a $10,000 donation to help further its mission and expand its impact.
Between August 1 and September 30, golfers, donors, sponsors, volunteers, nonprofit leaders, and supporters are invited to nominate a charity golf tournament to receive the donation. Whether it’s a long-running tournament or a first-year fundraiser, Play it Forward honors organizations using golf to strengthen communities, inspire generosity, and create meaningful change.
Nominators are asked to share the story behind the golf fundraiser, the mission it supports, how the funds will be used, and why it deserves to receive the $10,000 donation. A selection committee will review the information provided in each nomination to determine the 2026 winner.
The individual who submits the winning nomination will receive a Dormie Network Stay and Play Package, featuring a two-day, one-night golf getaway at one of its eligible premier private destination clubs.
“Every year, we’re inspired by the stories behind these events and the people who dedicate their time and energy to making them happen,” says Brian Schenk, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Dormie Network Foundation. “Play It Forward gives us the opportunity to celebrate the people and organizations using golf to create real change.”
Play It Forward is open to any golf fundraising event, including traditional 18-hole tournaments, scrambles, TopGolf fundraisers, simulator tournaments, mini golf events, and other creative formats. Eligible events can be hosted directly by nonprofit organizations or by third parties benefiting a charitable cause.
Since launching in 2021, Play It Forward has awarded $60,000 to organizations using golf to fuel their missions and strengthen their communities. Beyond the financial support, the campaign provides a national platform to celebrate the people, stories, and causes behind these events.
Previous Play It Forward Winners
2025: Hope Strengthens Foundation (Marblehead, MA)
Hope Strengthens Foundation provides critical financial assistance to individuals and families navigating life-threatening illness, disability, or recovery from a traumatic injury. Its annual golf tournament is the organization’s signature fundraising event, driving mission-critical dollars and connecting supporters and the community.
“Our annual charity golf tournament is our cornerstone fundraising event, bringing together donors, sponsors, volunteers, and beneficiaries to celebrate our collective achievements and secure the vital funds needed to make a lasting, positive impact on our community. The $10,000 Play It Forward donation was directly leveraged to provide critical support to three patients and families we were privileged to assist.”
– Jacob Ferreira, Executive Director at Hope Strengthens Foundation
2024: Coalition 4 Kids (Johnson City, TN)
Coalition For Kids (C4K) supports more than 1,200 vulnerable students through after-school and evening programs that foster academic, physical, social, and spiritual growth. Its annual Golf Classic helps provide safe spaces, caring mentors, and life-changing opportunities for underserved local youth.
“Our golf tournament is one of C4K’s signature fundraising events. Beyond the financial impact, the tournament also helps increase community awareness and engagement with our mission. The gift from Play It Forward directly supported programming, staffing, and activities that keep kids safe and invest in programs that change kids’ lives.”
– Randy Hensley, Executive Director at Coalition For Kids
2023: Avery’s Hope (New Hope, PA)
Avery’s Hope assists families of children living with rare, ultra-rare, and undiagnosed GI conditions. Its TopGolf fundraiser demonstrated how alternative golf events can create meaningful fundraising opportunities while building an inclusive experience for families and supporters.
“We hosted a TopGolf event to be more inclusive for patient families, children, and those who don’t golf. By doing so, the event attracted a number of families who wouldn’t be able to afford or otherwise support a traditional golf outing. The Play It Forward donation was put to immediate use supporting families.”
– Caryl Harris, Co-Founder and Executive Director at Avery’s Hope
2022: Sisters Across America (Orlando, FL) and Make-A-Wish Foundation (Bala Cynwyd, PA)
The 2022 campaign awarded two $10,000 donations, one to Sisters Across America, which creates opportunities for young minority women pursuing professional golf, and a second to Make-A-Wish’s Pro-Am for Wishes, which grants life-changing experiences to children with critical illnesses across the Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley regions.
2021: Cameron Steinberg Foundation (Dublin, OH)
The Cameron Steinberg Foundation was created in memory of Cameron Steinberg, who passed away from a congenital heart defect (CHD) at two months old. An annual charity golf tournament has helped raise more than $200,000 to support CHD research, patients, and families.
“The golf tournament is our primary fundraiser, so it’s crucial to our work to give back to local hospital heart centers to improve the journey of kids and their families impacted by a CHD. It was an honor to receive the Play It Forward donation and build a relationship with the GolfStatus and Dormie Network teams. They have been part of every golf event, and we are very grateful!”
– Sam Steinberg, Co-Founder at Cameron Steinberg Foundation
2026 Play It Forward Campaign Timeline
- August 1, 2026: Nomination period opens
- September 30, 2026: Nomination deadline
- December 1, 2026 (Giving Tuesday): Winner announced
“Charity golf tournaments do so much more than just raise money,” says Steve Mattern, Chief Operating Officer at GolfStatus. “They bring communities together, creating lasting connections, and generate critical funding that helps nonprofits fulfill their missions. Play It Forward is our chance to recognize these organizations and the impact they’re making, and help one deserving event accomplish even more.”
Nominate a golf tournament at golfstatus.com/playitforward.
Media can access photos and videos through the GolfStatus or Dormie Network Media Kits. For more information, contact Ashley Stahr, Chief Marketing Officer, at [email protected].
About GolfStatus
GolfStatus is the industry-leading event management platform for charity golf tournaments and fundraisers. Its powerful software streamlines golf tournaments from start to finish, saving organizers time and enhancing the overall experience for golfers, sponsors, and golf facilities. GolfStatus combines robust software with exclusive Fundraising Enhancers and Rewards, practical golf fundraising resources, and a team of golf fundraising experts to make golf events approachable, efficient, and more profitable for organizations of all types and sizes. Learn more at GolfStatus.com.
About Dormie Network
Founded in 2017, Dormie Network is a national collection of private destination golf clubs with hospitality-driven experiences tailored for relationship building and business entertainment. Each club, owned and operated by Dormie Network, features onsite lodging, chef-driven dining, boutique golf shops, and concierge services. Membership includes full access to ArborLinks in Nebraska City, Nebraska; Ballyhack Golf Club in Roanoke, Virginia; Briggs Ranch Golf Club in San Antonio, Texas; Dormie Club in West End, North Carolina; GrayBull Club in Maxwell, Nebraska; Hidden Creek Golf Club in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey; and Victoria National Golf Club in Newburgh, Indiana. Learn more at DormieNetwork.com.
About Dormie Network Foundation
As the philanthropic arm of Dormie Network, Dormie Network Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that leverages its national footprint of private golf clubs to support nonprofit organizations. Through experiential in-kind donations and cash grants, the Foundation builds enduring partnerships that help charitable organizations scale their missions, deepen community impact, and raise the bar on fundraising potential. Learn more at DormieNetworkFoundation.org.
Contacts
Ashley Stahr, Chief Marketing Officer
[email protected]
