The non-profit Atlanta Classic Foundation celebrates its 40th year on the PGA TOUR as the host organization for the AT&T Classic May 12-18. The popular event is in its 12th year at TPC Sugarloaf.
“While AT&T will discontinue their sponsorship after 2008, we are optimistic a new sponsor will set the tournament off on another 40-year run,” said Dave Kaplan, tournament director.
The Foundation has a five-person staff and 1,800 volunteers who manage, operate and promote the largest single event in Gwinnett County. The tournament has been blessed with a who’s who list of champions: Since coming to Gwinnett County Phil Mickelson has won three times; Zach Johnson twice and Tiger Woods once. Pre-1997 names like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Larry Nelson and Tom Kite dot the winners list.
Like all tournaments on the PGA TOUR, the Classic supports charity. The tournament’s primary recipient is Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Since 2004, more Gwinnett County residents have used CHOA facilities, than any other county in the metro-area, more than 66,000 last year alone. Since 1989, the tournament has donated more than $14 million to Children’s for various equipment and hospital needs. In addition to hospital donations, the Foundation has contributed $3 million to other area charities.
“The AT&T Classic provides an excellent opportunity for Gwinnett companies to entertain top clients and employees,” said Kaplan, the director for 26 years. “It also allows companies to get their message in front of 130,000 people who attend each year, plus the event has a $15 million plus economic impact.”
A member of Chairman’s Club since early in the 2000s, Kaplan is also treasurer of the Gwinnett Convention and Visitors Bureau Board. “The Chamber has been a great partner of the Classic and assists with promotion of the event in the County.” “My favorite Chamber event is the quarterly Chairman’s Club get-together. I always come away from those receptions with at least one new business contact. Many have become tournament sponsors or have helped us become more successful.” “My advice to aspiring business leaders is to give back to the community. I cannot count the number of influential people I’ve met at Chamber functions and County activities. They have become allies and advocates for our mission to run an excellent golf tournament and give back to the community.”
