Erie Insurance (ERIE) has awarded more than $140,000 to 23 local nonprofits at its annual Charity Challenge golf tournament. Area businesses participating in the tournament at the Kahkwa Club directed their prize winnings to charitable organizations of their choice.
The winning team from Logistics Plus, Inc. earned $20,000 for its selected Mercy Center for Women, and the remaining funds were distributed among the other selected charities, with awards ranging from $4,000 to $15,000. Erie Insurance underwrites the full cost of the tournament, allowing every dollar of team entry fees, sponsorships and on-course contests to benefit local nonprofits.
Since the tournament began in 2010, the Erie Insurance Charity Challenge has donated more than $1.5 million to nonprofits in the Erie region.
"The Charity Challenge brings together businesses that share a commitment to strengthening our community," said Jenny Geertson, ERIE's community outreach director. "Every organization receiving support this year is making a meaningful difference in the lives of people across our region. We're proud to connect local businesses with nonprofits whose work creates a lasting impact."
The nonprofits benefiting from Charity Challenge funding this year include: American Red Cross, Barber National Institute, Because You Care, Bradley H. Foulk Children's Advocacy Center of Erie County, EmergyCare, Inc., Emma's Footprints, Erie Center for Arts & Technology, Erie Downtown Partnership, expERIEnce Children's Museum, French Creek Council - Scouting America, Impact Corry, John F. Kennedy Center, Julia Hospice and Palliative Care, Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania, Mazzini Charitable Foundation, Meals on Wheels Erie, Mercy Center for Women, The Salvation Army, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania, St. Martin Center, Therapy Dogs United, Tom Ridge Environmental Center Foundation and YMCA of Greater Erie.