CHARLOTTE, NC – The TPC Freedom Foundation, the charitable foundation arm of Total Packaging Company Inc. is thrilled to announce their $50,000 donation to PGA REACH Carolinas, through their Charity Pro-Am held on Monday, May 8, 2023!

18 PGA Professionals, 68 Amateurs, & 4 PGA HOPE Graduates gathered for the Inaugural TPC Freedom Foundation Charity Pro-Am at Trump National Golf Club Charlotte to raise funds for PGA REACH Carolinas. The tournament featured a shotgun start and shamble format, with prizes for the top teams. There were also various on-course competitions and activities throughout the day. Participants had the opportunity to meet and interact with Veterans who have benefitted from the PGA HOPE Carolinas program. Biz Exchange, Brett Carraway Northstar Real Estate, & Pratt Industries are a few companies from Charlotte, NC that took on an appreciation for the event by becoming top sponsors and providing teams. 

The day was filled with great food, good music, beautiful weather, and moving stories from our PGA HOPE graduates. Colton Hensley, PGA HOPE Carolinas Ambassador and Army Veteran, expressed the great joy golf has brought him and the life changing program of PGA HOPE. Hensley was in a dark place after his honorable discharge in 2013 but was connected through the VA with PGA HOPE Asheville in 2018. Through the program he met PGA HOPE Lead, Brian Oliver, PGA. The two have had a significant impact on one another’s lives and have created a friendship for years to come. 

The day concluded with a reception of live music from Gyth Rigdon, 2019 ‘The Voice’ Finalist, on the outdoor pavilion behind #18 green at Trump National Golf Club Charlotte. A silent auction was also provided with items such as sports memorabilia and golf foursomes on elite courses throughout the Carolinas.

“Wow! What an effort made from all groups involved. I am very proud of our Total Packaging Team, the PGA Carolinas Professionals and Staff, the Trump National Team, and all the generous folks who participated and sponsored our event” says PGA REACH Trustee and Total Packaging Company Owner and President Kent Schneider. “It was a great day for the Veterans and Golfers! To Raise $50,000 for our charities (PGA REACH and PGA HOPE) in our first year hosting this event is an incredible accomplishment.  We hope to build on the success of this year’s tournament and raise even more dollars for these amazing charities in the years to come.   A very big thank you to everyone involved in making our first year a huge success for the charities!”. 

To be a part of this event in future, please contact Guenn Schneider at (704) 609-5114 or by email at Guenn@Totalpkgco.com.

For photos from the day, CLICK HERE!

About TPC Freedom Foundation

The mission of the TPC Freedom Foundation is to support programs that positively enrich the lives of the armed forces, local children in-need, and those affected by cancer. Established in 2022 by Total Packaging Company Owner and President, Kent Schneider and his wife, Guenn. The mission of the TPC Freedom Foundation is to improve the quality of life for those in three categories: active and Veteran members of the armed forces; underprivileged youth and those battling cancer. This pro-am specifically raises funds to donate to PGA REACH Carolinas

About PGA REACH Carolinas Foundation

The PGA REACH Carolinas Foundation is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization and philanthropic arm of the Carolinas PGA Section, the largest of the 41 sections in the United States. Our 2,100 members across North and South Carolina are committed to serving our communities and growing the game of golf through our three pillars: Youth, Military, and Diversity & Inclusion. Signature programs include PGA HOPE, PGA Junior League, Drive, Chip & Putt, Harvick4HighSchoolGolf, the Prokope Academy and the PGA WORKS Fellowship. For more information, please visit carolinas.pga.com/foundation/. You can also find PGA REACH Carolinas on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @REACHCarolinas.

Media Contacts

Mia Hayasaki, PGA REACH Coordinator, Carolinas PGA Section, (336) 398-2673, mhayasaki@pgahq.com