Campaign elevates opportunities for deserving caddies nationwide
GLENVIEW, IL – As the Evans Scholars Foundation continues to transform the lives of more promising young caddies, the 2025 Match Play Challenge campaign is entering its critical closing stretch.
With the end of the year approaching, the major gifts initiative is gaining momentum thanks to the generous support of 78 Match Play Partners—each making leadership gifts of $50,000 or more. These contributions will match every gift of $2,500 or greater received by the Foundation in 2025.
The Match Play Challenge is a vital part of the Foundation’s annual fundraising effort, helping cover program costs expected to reach $41 million this year. Funds raised go toward housing, tuition and programmatic support – including community living and career services resources – for the record 1,260 Evans Scholars enrolled in 27 leading universities across the country for the 2025-26 academic year.
“As we pursue our 2030 Ambitions and long-range plan, we are facing today’s challenges head-on and creating more youth caddie opportunities for young men and women,” WGA Chairman Steve Colnitis said. “We are determined to award more Evans Scholarships every year, and contributions to the Match Play Challenge are a vital part of supporting more caddies in their pursuit of a high-quality college degree.”
Since its launch in 2011, the Match Play Challenge has generated more than $232 million in support, strengthening youth caddie initiatives and the Evans Scholars Program. Beyond offsetting annual program costs, its sustained success allows the Foundation to pursue an ambitious long-term vision—expanding the number of Evans Scholars in school, establishing new partner universities, and creating new youth caddie programs nationwide.
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 2025 and continues to lead by example as a Match Play Partner. Sustained support through this initiative allows the Foundation to grow the number of Evans Scholars, launch new chapters, and expand youth caddie programs across the country.
“Our Match Play Partners are true champions for our Scholars, guiding them on their journey from caddie to college to career,” said Executive Vice President Bill Kingore. “We’re incredibly thankful for their leadership and the meaningful difference they make in the lives of youth caddies and our Evans Scholars.”
For more information on the Match Play Challenge, please contact Bill Kingore at (224) 260-3712 or
2025 Match Play Partners
as of Oct. 14, 2025
Anonymous (8)
Richard Alonzo
Victor L. Andrews
Jeff Allen and Libby Anschutz
Arizona Golf House
John H. Barrow
M/M Steven Beauchamp
Ed & Peggy Bonach
Charles H. & Bertha L. Boothroyd Foundation
A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation
Glenda & Fritz Corrigan
Curcio Family Foundation
Matthew J. Desch
Armond & Kitty Dinverno
M/M Mark R. Dodson
Martin & Jennifer Dore
Thomas J. & Karen A. Falk
Dr/M Eugene F. Fama
M/M Eugene T. Faut
Foglia Family Foundation
M/M Robert Foss
M/M Philip M. Friedmann
John E. & Barbara C. Gallina
Arthur F. Garcia, M.D.
John & Carolyn Gehring
Francis Gesualdo
Mary & Ralph Gesualdo Family Foundation
M/M Robert L. Hamilton
Dan & Kathy Harmon
Dan & Pam Hay
Frank G. Heitker
Jack Holland
Martin P. & Julie Hughes
Douglas & Brittney Hurt
David R. Kallman
Mike & Lindy Keiser
Jason & Peggy Kinander
Jerry & Ann Kulig
J Andrew & Susan Langan
Josh Lesnik
Thomas L. Mallman
Ronald & Lucille Matricaria
Alan & Vrissiis Matula
Gary & Carol Matula
Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund
Jack & Susan McCabe
Patrick & Meredith McCormack
Dennis & Margaret Mickey
Jordan Milanowski
M/M W. Vaughn Moore
Tom & Susan Moran
Francis W. & Susan B. Morley
Frank & Janet Nessinger
M/M James W. O’Neill
Hew & Lindsey Pate
Jim & Molly Perry
Bruce & Deborah Pfaff
The Frank Polizzi Family
John & Merry Ann Pratt
Quest Fund
Therese & John Rigas
Roger W. Sandstrom
Sankaty Head Foundation, Inc.
Schreiber Philanthropy
W. Fritz & Tracy Souder
M/M Yancey Spruill
FT Stent Family Foundation Inc.
Joe & Margie Stigler
Mike Thaman
The Wilf Family Foundation
Daniel & Clea Van Voorhis
John P. Ver Bockel & Kathleen Carbonara
Lou Woodworth & Heidi Charleson
Dr. Daniel J. Zaroff