Detroit — The city’s PGA Tour stop continues to be a boon to local charities.
The 2022 Rocket Mortgage Classic raised $1.57 million for local charities, nearly half of which was earmarked for the tournament’s primary mission of ending Detroit’s digital divide. Connect 313, which aims to bring Internet access to all Detroit homes by 2025, will raise $622,555.
Tournament officials announced Monday that Connect 313 recently surpassed 100,000 households that have signed up for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers discounted Internet access and a one-time $100 grant for a technology device. The 102,123 registered households represent more than 54% of the qualified households.
Connect 313 is a partnership between Rocket Mortgage Classic, Rocket Community Fund, Microsoft, and the City of Detroit, among others.
“Two years ago at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, we set out to transform the way Detroiters connect to the internet, technology and digital education resources,” said Laura Grannemann, executive chair of Connect 313 and Executive Director of the Rocket Community Fund. “Reaching this milestone of improving the digital connectivity of more than 100,000 homes is an important reminder of how much we can achieve when we work together as a community. The Rocket Mortgage Classic prides itself on being a catalyst for great golf and lasting impact.”
Jason Langwell, the tournament’s Executive Director, said: “Today, on day 313, we are proud to announce how we are changing course in Detroit by using Rocket Mortgage Classic as a powerful force for good. While the past few years have brought us various experiences and challenges as hosts of the Rocket Mortgage Classic, today’s announcement should show that our commitment to our hometown is unwavering.”
In 2020, in the early days of the pandemic, Rocket Mortgage Classic announced its Changing the Course initiative, and ahead of the 2021 tournament, Connect 313 was launched with internet access for all in mind.
Of the more than $600,000 for Connect 313, Rocket Mortgage donated $210,000 through money raised in AREA 313 during the 2022 tournament. Rocket Morgage donated $2,500 for each 3 (eagle) on #14 and 3 (birdie) on #16 and $10,000 for each 1 (ace) on #15.
The tournament also donated $100,000 to the Children’s Foundation, which benefits Midnight Golf, the First Tee of Greater Detroit and the Detroit Police Athletic League.
The tournament also donated $100,000 to the Greater Palmer Park Community and the remaining $747,687 went to Birdies for Charity, a collection of local nonprofits.
Since the tournament debuted in 2019, the Rocket Mortgage Classic has raised more than $6.8 million for local charities, more than half of which has gone to the Changing the Course initiative.
This year’s total is the second-highest from multiple Masters winner Bubba Watson, behind the $2.7 million raised in 2020. The inaugural tournament in 2019 grossed $1.1 million, and the 2021 tournament grossed $1.35 million.
“Closing the digital divide is one of the most important things we can do as a city to bring opportunity to Detroit residents, and the Rocket Giving Fund has been a great partner in that effort,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan , in a statement. “Thanks to his efforts with Connect 313 and others, more Detroiters of all ages are becoming connected, at home and at 22 neighborhood tech hubs.”
Prior to the launch of Changing the Course, Detroit was the least connected major city in the United States.
This year’s Rocket Mortgage Classic will be held June 29-July 2 at Detroit Golf Club, with defending champion Tony Finau expected to highlight the 156-player field. Former champions Nate Lashley and Cam Davis are also likely to play in 2023. Tickets will go on sale in early April.
tpaul@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @tonypaul1984
