Campaign elevates opportunities for deserving caddies nationwide

GLENVIEW, IL – The 2023 Match Play Challenge is building momentum at the start of a critical closing stage, riding the tremendous support of 73 Match Play Partners who have made leadership gifts of $50,000 and greater.

Now in its 13th year, the Match Play Challenge is the major gifts component of the Evans Scholars Foundation’s annual Par Club fundraising campaign. Match Play Partner gifts of $50,000 and greater are being pooled and used to match every gift of $2,500 made by Par Club members in 2023. The unique campaign has enabled the Foundation to raise more than $183 million to send caddies to college since 2011.

Those critical funds come at a time when caddies are applying for the Evans Scholarship in record numbers each year. As a result, the Match Play Challenge has become a driving force in the Foundation’s efforts to provide college and career opportunities to new, diverse groups of students.

A record 1,130 Evans Scholars are enrolled in 24 leading universities nationwide for the 2023-24 academic year. In addition to offering full tuition and housing scholarships, the Foundation uses Match Play Challenge funds to establish and develop youth caddie programs, award more Evans Scholarships and provide career services resources to prepare Evans Scholars for their professional lives.

Last year, supporters contributed nearly $22 million through the Match Play Challenge to help offset the Program’s annual cost of over $27 million. As those costs continue to rise by $1.5 million each year, the Match Play Challenge will ensure the Foundation can continue to make a lasting impact.

"As we continue to pursue our ambitious long-range plan, we now have our eyes set on new initiatives to bring caddying and the Evans Scholarship to more students, clubs and communities across the country," said WGA Chairman Joe Desch. "Our generous Match Play Partners play a critical role in helping youth caddies realize their dreams, and we're immensely grateful for their support."

WGA Director Mike Keiser, who helped lead the development of the Match Play Challenge in 2011, once again is serving as the campaign’s Honorary Chairman in 2023 while supporting the initiative as a Match Play Partner.

“Every year we are humbled by the kindness of our supporters and their gifts to the Match Play Challenge,” said Bill Kingore, Executive Vice President. “While our goals in growing our program and investing in the leaders of tomorrow are lofty, our Match Play Partners are a driving force in the lives of our Evans Scholars. Their generous support truly makes all the difference.”

For more information on the Match Play Challenge, please contact Bill Kingore at (224) 260-3712 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

2023 Match Play Partners

as of October 30, 2023

Anonymous (2)
Libby Anschutz Foundation
John H. Barrow
The Binzer Family
James E. and Mary M. Bishop
Paul Broder
Kenneth and Jacqueline Brody
Chevron
The A. James and Alice B. Clark Foundation
Glenda and Fritz Corrigan
Curcio Family Foundation
Armond and Kitty Dinverno
Mr. and Mrs. Mark R. Dodson
Dresner Foundation
Janet and Craig Duchossois
The Edelweiss Foundation
Thomas J. and Karen A. Falk
Dr. and Mrs. Eugene F. Fama
Foglia Family Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Foss
John E. and Barbara C. Gallina
John and Carolyn Gehring
Josef and Rachel Guzowski
Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Hamilton
Dan and Kathy Harmon
Dan and Pam Hay
Frank G. Heitker
Jack Holland
Douglas & Brittney Hurt
Jerry and Regina Jurkiewicz
Mark and Mary Ann Kaufman
Mike and Lindy Keiser
Jason and Peggy Kinander
Jerry and Ann Kulig
J Andrew and Susan Langan
Bruce Langer
Josh Lesnik
Jack & Jama Lintol
Thomas L. Mallman
John and Jean Matovina
Ronald and Lucille Matricaria
Gary and Carol Matula
Jack and Susan McCabe
Patrick and Meredith McCormack
Dennis and Margaret Mickey
Jordan Milanowski
Mr. and Mrs. W. Vaughn Moore
Tom and Susan Moran
Mr. and Mrs. James W. O’Neill
One8 Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy P. O’Reilly
Hew and Lindsey Pate
Jim and Molly Perry
Leroy “Pete” Peterson
Bruce and Deborah Pfaff
The Frank Polizzi Family
John and Merry Ann Pratt
Quest Fund
Richard A. Sachs
Roger W. Sandstrom
Tim Schwertfeger and Gail Waller/Best Portion Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Toby Seay
Elizabeth, Allan and Warren Shelden Fund
James and Kathleen Skinner
W. Fritz and Tracy Souder
Joe and Margie Stigler
The Stroiman Family
David Thomas
Reed and Rosemary Tupper
The Unnewehr Foundation
Dan and Clea Van Voorhis
Michael J. Wallace
Jerry Warner