JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Players Championship on Tuesday kicked off its two-week Red Coast Ride Out, which is part of the organization's Giving Back Month, by surprising two Northeast Florida charities with donations.
The Players volunteer leadership, the Red Coats, hit the road, surprising golf participants with Special Olympics Florida with new equipment.
"I got a new golf bag," said Special Olympian Fletcher Schaier. "I got new clubs. I've been testing them out."
The Red Coats also presented Special Olympics Florida with a check for $5,000.
Robin Luck, with the Duval County management team of Special Olympics Florida, was excited to see each of their golfers, who were there for the presentation, receive a new set of clubs and bag.
"It's very nice of them to take time out of their day to stand out here in the excessive heat and give our athletes a nice gift," Luck said.
Three years ago, Luck said, there were seven Special Olympics golf participants in their program. Now, with 27 participants, the gifts help get the word out about their services offering athletics for the disabled.
The Red Coats also gave a $20,000 grant to Building Abilities of Special Children and Adults (BASCA), an organization that helps people with intellectual and developmental differences achieve a higher quality of life and sense of belonging.
“Their continued generosity to the Northeast Florida community illustrates what The Players is all about --- giving back, camaraderie and a commitment to making the area we call home a better place," said Beth Clark, CEO of BASCA. "We cannot thank them enough.”
Each year, money raised by The Players benefits more than 300 charities throughout Northeast Florida.