Desert Charities News - Jan-Feb-Mar 2025

. Page 16 Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com • www.dcnnews.com January/February/March 2025 www.lavendarbistro.com ww w.laquintacliffhouse.com www.pacificaseafoodrestaurant.com Impact Through Golf, The American Express® golf tournament’s charitable foundation, announced at its annual Community Impact Celebration that The Ophelia Project has been named the PGA TOUR’s 2024 Charity of the Year. In addition to the generous donation from Impact Through Golf, the Ophelia Project will receive an additional $30,000 from the PGA TOUR. Part of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Foundation, The Ophelia Project is a comprehensive, five-year mentoring program that provides a supportive environment, training, and education for 400 to 500 girls annually in grades 8 through 12. Volunteer mentors help girls stay in school, develop positive values, increase self-esteem, graduate high school on time with college or career plans, and pursue paths to a brighter future. Originally based in Erie, PA, the Ophelia Project’s Palm Desert, CA, location has served as its national headquarters since 2014. To date, more than 7,000 girls have completed the program, achieving an impressive 100 percent graduation rate. Building on this growth and success, Peter Sturgeon, President and CEO of The Ophelia project, was also selected this year to participate in the 2024 American Express Leadership Academy for nonprofit leaders who are changemakers in their sector and have the potential to innovate and enhance their organization’s work. “We are truly honored and overwhelmed with gratitude to be selected by the PGA TOUR as its Charity of the Year,” said Peter Sturgeon, President and CEO of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Foundation. “This prestigious honor will enable us to provide vulnerable teenage girls in the Coachella Valley with the mentorship they need to complete high school, pursue higher education and embark on a successful career.” The Ophelia Project Named PGATour’s 2024 Charity of the Year continued on page 43