This story is part of the QCBJ’s annual Newsmakers edition. This year-end wrap-up by the Quad Cities Regional Business Journal’s staff includes some of the biggest stories we brought you during 2024. Each story also includes an update on the subject. Excerpts from the original stories as well as the new updates appeared in print in our Monday, Dec. 23 edition.
The initial story was published in June of 2024.
Months after a 2023 study detailed the $70.9 million community impact of the John Deere Classic, the JDC Birdies for Charity announced yet another record-blasting investment in Quad Cities nonprofits in 2024.
On Oct. 10, the JDC’s charitable arm revealed that the 2024 tournament generated a record $15.97 million for its 476 participating local and regional charities.
The total – $15,976,574.68 – not only surpassed last year’s record by more than $1.8 million, it also resulted in an 8% bonus being added to all the individual charities’ totals.
“The John Deere classic is proud of and grateful for the record charity numbers the tournament helped generate this year,” Tournament Director Andrew Lehman told the crowd gathered at the John Deere Pavilion in Moline. “It couldn’t have happened without the steadfast support of John Deere, our sponsors and volunteers and, of course, our fans.”
Mr. Lehman thanked those groups and Moline-based Deere & Co. for the record-breaking 2024. “We hands down have the best title sponsor on the PGA Tour. The John Deere Classic is so special, they trust us with their 180-year-old plus brand to execute and deliver every year,” he said.
The July 4-7, 2024, tournament at TPC at Deere Run in Silvis crowned Davis Thompson as champion. He was the 24th first-time winner of the Quad Cities PGA Tour event that marked its 53rd year in 2024.
“There’s just so many people that you rely on that are tremendous at their jobs, and year after year, the goal is set higher and they all continue to surpass it,” 2024 volunteer JDC Chairman Kevin Rafferty said after the event.
“We’re approaching the $200 million mark (in donations) since the tournament began,” he added. “We’re really excited and it’s a great way to conclude the year for our community.”
