The Marathon LPGA Classic presented by Dana (www.marathonclassic.com) has made hopes and dreams come true for many Northwest Ohio children since 1984. This year, that includes the children of Hilty Preschool & Child Care Center in Pandora! The tournament will be held July 5-11 at Highland Meadows Golf Club.
Since its inception, the tournament has become a highlighted stop on the LPGA tour. The purse has grown substantially from that first year to $1,600,000 today. The tournament has become a huge event in Northwest Ohio/Southeast Michigan attracting over 50,000 spectators. The tournament attracts all ages to watch the greatest women golfers in the world compete.
Over the years, the tournament has donated millions of dollars to local children’s charities. Each year, Northwest Ohio charities that benefit children can apply to be a benefitting organization through this event. Recently, the Hilty Preschool and Child Care Center has been encouraged by parents that work at Marathon to apply to be a benefitting charity for this event.
With this encouragement, Chris Moser (MHCO Director of Resource Development and Church Relations) and Amanda Dettrow (Hilty Preschool & Child Care Center Director) submitted an application, which was accepted for the 2021 event. According to Dettrow, “We are so grateful to be chosen as one of this year’s recipients. As a nonprofit, Intergenerational preschool, these funds will be used to help us with updating many aspects of our program for health and safety. A large portion will go towards an update of our Smart Board located in our preschool room. Covid has shown us just how important technology is, especially for our young learners and as a piece of our intergenerational program. We can visit with our residents, even if we cannot be in the same room, and travel on field trips to help children explore the world around them without leaving the classroom. We truly feel so blessed for this opportunity. Thank you Marathon!” The approved project total is $8,760, which will purchase a new smart board, HEPA air filters, new cots and new bikes.
Through the teamwork of over 1,500 volunteers and 400 local businesses, The Marathon Classic presented by Dana is making a difference for children in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan.