GolfStatus and Dormie Network Open Nominations for the Sixth Annual Play It Forward Campaign

Article content

$10,000 Donation Will Support a Charity Golf Event Driving Meaningful Impact

Article content

LINCOLN, Neb. — GolfStatus, Dormie Network, and Dormie Network Foundation are proud to announce the return of Play It Forward, an annual campaign celebrating the nonprofit organizations and charity golf events that are changing lives through the game of golf. Now in its sixth year, Play It Forward will award one deserving golf fundraiser with a $10,000 donation to help further its mission and expand its impact.

Article content

Article content

Article content

Between August 1 and September 30, golfers, donors, sponsors, volunteers, nonprofit leaders, and supporters are invited to nominate a charity golf tournament to receive the donation. Whether it’s a long-running tournament or a first-year fundraiser, Play it Forward honors organizations using golf to strengthen communities, inspire generosity, and create meaningful change.

Article content

Article content

Nominators are asked to share the story behind the golf fundraiser, the mission it supports, how the funds will be used, and why it deserves to receive the $10,000 donation. A selection committee will review the information provided in each nomination to determine the 2026 winner.

Article content

The individual who submits the winning nomination will receive a Dormie Network Stay and Play Package, featuring a two-day, one-night golf getaway at one of its eligible premier private destination clubs.

Article content

“Every year, we’re inspired by the stories behind these events and the people who dedicate their time and energy to making them happen,” says Brian Schenk, Chief Philanthropy Officer at Dormie Network Foundation. “Play It Forward gives us the opportunity to celebrate the people and organizations using golf to create real change.”

Article content

Play It Forward is open to any golf fundraising event, including traditional 18-hole tournaments, scrambles, TopGolf fundraisers, simulator tournaments, mini golf events, and other creative formats. Eligible events can be hosted directly by nonprofit organizations or by third parties benefiting a charitable cause.

Article content

Since launching in 2021, Play It Forward has awarded $60,000 to organizations using golf to fuel their missions and strengthen their communities. Beyond the financial support, the campaign provides a national platform to celebrate the people, stories, and causes behind these events.

Article content

Previous Play It Forward Winners

Article content

2025: Hope Strengthens Foundation (Marblehead, MA)

Article content

Article content

provides critical financial assistance to individuals and families navigating life-threatening illness, disability, or recovery from a traumatic injury. Its annual golf tournament is the organization’s signature fundraising event, driving mission-critical dollars and connecting supporters and the community.

Article content

“Our annual charity golf tournament is our cornerstone fundraising event, bringing together donors, sponsors, volunteers, and beneficiaries to celebrate our collective achievements and secure the vital funds needed to make a lasting, positive impact on our community. The $10,000 Play It Forward donation was directly leveraged to provide critical support to three patients and families we were privileged to assist.”
– Jacob Ferreira, Executive Director at Hope Strengthens Foundation2024: Coalition 4 Kids (Johnson City, TN)Coalition For Kids (C4K) supports more than 1,200 vulnerable students through after-school and evening programs that foster academic, physical, social, and spiritual growth. Its annual Golf Classic helps provide safe spaces, caring mentors, and life-changing opportunities for underserved local youth.

Article content

Article content

“Our golf tournament is one of C4K’s signature fundraising events. Beyond the financial impact, the tournament also helps increase community awareness and engagement with our mission. The gift from Play It Forward directly supported programming, staffing, and activities that keep kids safe and invest in programs that change kids’ lives.”
– Randy Hensley, Executive Director at Coalition For Kids2023: Avery’s Hope (New Hope, PA)Avery’s Hope assists families of children living with rare, ultra-rare, and undiagnosed GI conditions. Its TopGolf fundraiser demonstrated how alternative golf events can create meaningful fundraising opportunities while building an inclusive experience for families and supporters.

Article content

“We hosted a TopGolf event to be more inclusive for patient families, children, and those who don’t golf. By doing so, the event attracted a number of families who wouldn’t be able to afford or otherwise support a traditional golf outing. The Play It Forward donation was put to immediate use supporting families.”
– Caryl Harris, Co-Founder and Executive Director at Avery’s Hope2022: Sisters Across America (Orlando, FL) and Make-A-Wish Foundation (Bala Cynwyd, PA) The 2022 campaign awarded two $10,000 donations, one to Sisters Across America, which creates opportunities for young minority women pursuing professional golf, and a second to Make-A-Wish’s Pro-Am for Wishes, which grants life-changing experiences to children with critical illnesses across the Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley regions.

Article content

2021: Cameron Steinberg Foundation (Dublin, OH)

Article content

The Cameron Steinberg Foundation was created in memory of Cameron Steinberg, who passed away from a congenital heart defect (CHD) at two months old. An annual charity golf tournament has helped raise more than $200,000 to support CHD research, patients, and families.

Article content