CHARLOTTE, NC (May 11, 2026) – The fourth annual Total Packaging Company Freedom Foundation Charity Pro-Am reached a new fundraising milestone today at Trump National Golf Club of Charlotte. A field of thirteen teams, consisting of sixty-five players, gathered for a day of golf dedicated to supporting the PGA REACH Carolinas Foundation and its PGA HOPE veteran programming. This year, the event raised $40,000, which will directly benefit local veterans through the game of golf.
“At Total Packaging Company, we believe success means giving back to the communities and heroes who make what we do possible. Hosting this Pro-Am is one of the most meaningful things we do each year because it brings people together to support PGA REACH Carolinas and the life-changing work of PGA HOPE Carolinas. Seeing Veterans experience the game, build friendships, and find renewed purpose through golf is incredibly powerful. We’re proud to rally our partners and community around this event and continue growing its impact year after year.” — Kent Schneider, President, Total Packaging Company and PGA REACH Carolinas Trustee.
The competition featured teams made up of four amateur players and one PGA Professional. While the leaderboard was crowded, the team of supporters from Freightliner, led by Jason Franklin, Aaron Franklin, Dalton Franklin, Cody Godfrey, and PGA Professional Jeff Avant of Rolling Hills Country Club in Monroe, NC claimed the victory with an impressive final score of 19-under par.
Jeff Abbot, Carolinas PGA CEO, highlighted the significant impact of these donations during the post-tournament reception. “To reach the milestone of $190,000 raised in four years is a testament to the incredible partnership we have built with the TPC Freedom Foundation,” Abbot said. “Many programs can enhance lives, but PGA HOPE is a program that can actually save lives. This level of support ensures we can continue providing a life-changing community for veterans across the Carolinas.”
Generous support from local partners was vital to achieving this year’s fundraising goal. Pratt Industries sponsored breakfast for all participants, Pregis supported the event as the driving range sponsor, and Travis Crawford HVAC served as the lunch sponsor for the field. Additional hole sponsors included Central Packaging and Crating, IFAB Corp, Jones Family of Companies, Kloeckner Metals, and Total Packaging Company.
The Carolinas PGA would also like to thank Guenn Schneider and Total Packaging Company founder Brian Schneider for all of their hard work with event planning and recruitment of teams and sponsors. The tournament was also a success thanks to the hospitality of General Manager Cory Head, PGA, and his team at Trump National Golf Club Charlotte.
To access the event photo gallery, please click HERE.
About TPC Freedom Foundation
The mission of the TPC Freedom Foundation is to support programs that positively enrich the lives of members of the armed forces, local children in need, and those affected by cancer. Established in 2022 by Total Packaging Company owner and PGA REACH Carolinas Trustee Kent Schneider, the foundation works to improve the quality of life for active-duty and veteran members of the military, as well as underprivileged youth. This annual 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 the philanthropic arm of the Carolinas PGA Section. With 2,400 members across North and South Carolina, the foundation is committed to serving communities and growing the game of golf through three pillars: youth, military, and diversity and inclusion. Signature programs include PGA HOPE, PGA Junior League, Drive, Chip and Putt, Harvick4HighSchoolGolf, the Prokope Academy, and the PGA WORKS Fellowship.
