Elie Pisarra-Cain was happy last year when the Potomac Theatre Company was a beneficiary of the Professional Golfers’ Association’s (PGA) largess. “It’s kind of nice when someone comes into a community and does something so locally,” Pisarra-Cain, a member of the company, said. “It is a big help to us.”
Last year, in conjunction with the Kemper Open, now called the FBR Capital Open, the PGA donated $5,000 to the company.
Although the theater company does not always get money, one group that does is the Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Company.
“Ever since the Kemper started, they have consistently given Cabin John and B-CC $5,000,” said Jim Seavey, Chief of Cabin John Park Volunteer Fire Department.
Cabin John and B-CC provide ambulance crews and staffing for the tournament. Although the money they receive does not cover fire and rescue expenses providing coverage for the tournament, they are happy to get it. “We definitely appreciate it,” Seavey said.
The former Kemper Open has provided substantial contributions to organizations throughout the region.
“Last year we gave about $750,000 to about 40 charities,” said Pete Cleaves, General Chairman for the FBR Capital Open.
Since coming to the Washington area, the tournament has distributed over $7 million to more than 150 local and national charities.
A committee decides which groups will be given money each year said Cleaves.
The tournament, currently held at the Tournament Players Club at Avenel, and formerly held at Congressional County Club in Bethesda is in its 23rd year in the region. It is the only PGA Tour stop in the Washington area.
In spite of a last minute change in sponsors, this year is likely to be as successful.
“The new sponsor understands that the goal of the PGA tour is charity,” Cleaves said.
The list of this year’s beneficiaries and how much they will receive will not be available until next week, but Cleaves is optimistic. “Things are on the up for the charity aspect.”