Events that bring people together with a desire to make a difference are special in a unique and genuine way. And the Children’s Health’s signature Play Yellow event, Swing Fore Miracles, presented by Neighborhood Credit Union was exactly that. Play Yellow is a movement championed by Jack and Barbara Nicklaus in an effort to raise money through the golf industry for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the country.
On October 7th, we were proud to sponsor and participate in this tournament along with other organizations that share a vested interest in helping children receive the best medical care possible to live healthier lives. This event took place at Topgolf located in The Colony and had over 250 attendees, between sponsors, volunteers, families, and friends that came together to help raise funds for the expansion of Children’s Medical Center Campus located in Plano Texas. This expansion will allow for more beds, physicians, and services.
To kick off the event, Brent Christopher, President of the Children's Medical Center Foundation welcomed all attendees and event sponsors - Neighborhood Credit Union (Presenting sponsor), EchoPark Automotive (Valet Sponsor), National University (Hospitality Sponsor), Mizzen+Main (Tee Line Sponsor), PGA Tour Superstore (Hole-in-one Challenge sponsor), Enchanted Rock (Longest Drive Challenge Sponsor) and of course, Mayan Technologies (Drawing Sponsor).
During the opening ceremony, Brent Christopher, emphasized on the positive impact Children's Health has had in the lives of children over the years and how grateful the organization is for all the support. To follow, Jacob, son of two-time PGA TOUR winner and Children’s Health Play Yellow Ambassador, John Senden, continued speaking about his journey battling cancer and being in remission with the help and continued support provided by Children’s Health Dallas.
Added to all sponsor’s support, Neighborhood Credit Union donated an additional $25,000 to the Swing Fore Miracles cause. As an exciting and unexpected moment, Travis Miller, founder of the popular PGA Memes social media accounts, donated the incredible amount of $1 million to support the expansion of the Children’s Medical Center, hospital where two of his children have been treated in the past. In honor of his donatio, Children's Medical Center Plano will name a playroom at the newly expanded Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders after Miller's two youngest children, Nico and Mila.
"Nothing stands out more or is more rewarding than doing charity work for children in need." Miller said. Miller's donation is just one way he's supported the hospital; he's also raised money and awareness through his PGA Memes account, which he started as a side hobby.
Soon after, the tournament officially started. We had opportunity to spend time as a team, meet local businesses, entrepreneurs, and organizations all coming together to support the same cause, as well as play a mean game of golf.
For the closing ceremony, Sergio Prieto, from Mayan Technologies took to the stage to share his personal story about his personal history with Children’s Medical center and present the drawing winners.
"We are extremely grateful for what Children's Health has done for our family and especially what it has done for our son. It's incredible to see his journey and how his life has changed. At Mayan Technologies, we strive to do as much as we can to support Children's Health. We know that everything helps and the positive impact it has in the lives of so many children."
As a company, we would also like to recognize all those who supported, in one way or another, the Swing Fore Miracles event. The funds raised go directly toward the upcoming expansion of Children's Health Plano and will have a significant impact on the hospital and its patients.
This project includes a new patient tower, more pediatric intensive care unit beds, an expanded emergency room, enhanced hospital amenities, and a parking garage. This expansion will increase the number of available beds. It will also include a seven-floor, 300,000-square-foot medical tower, and is expected to be complete by late 2024.
As a company that cares deeply about community involvement, we know how important it is to support our local hospitals and health care organizations. In conclusion, the event was a big success, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank Children’s Health for having us as well as the many amazing people behind-the-scenes that made this event possible. We look forward to making more magic together and continuing to support their cause of making life better for children for many years to come.