BIRDIES FOR CHARITIES

Birdies Don't Tweet – They Change Lives!

Of course, the “birdies” referred to in the title are not feathered, but they are shot.  They’re shot by golfers, and they really can change lives if we go out and secure pledges for the birdies shot.  John Deere and the PGA (Professional Golf Association) have created a wonderful opportunity for Charities to benefit from a professional golf tournament.  More than any other charity perhaps, the opportunity for the Lions is huge given the numbers of members we have in Illinois.  There is absolutely no reason why we shouldn’t be able to raise a minimum of $100,000 this year and $500,000 should be a reasonable goal for our Lions in future years.  The formula is simple! 

If every Lion and Lioness would be responsible for finding pledges of ONE PENNEY per birdie, over $400,000 would be raised for our Endowment Fund.  At that rate, our Vision of creating “…a permanent vehicle for the delivery of programs and services for the visually and hearing impaired,” could become a reality sooner, rather than later.  The visually and hearing impaired are calling on every Illinois Lion, Lioness, & Leo to commit to the task.  Will you respond to their plea or sit upon the sideline?  The choice is yours!

How does Birdies for Charities work?

Simply pledge one cent or more per birdie made by the PGA Tour Pros during the John Deere Classic.  For example, In 2004, 1879 birdies were made.  After the tournament, you’ll be mailed a notice of your pledge amount due.  A grand prize will be given to the person who guesses the correct number.  In case of ties, winners will be randomly selected.

Pledge forms must be received on or before the Tournament Tee-off.

Contest rules:

· Only 1 grand prize awarded.  Ties & other prizes determined by random drawing. Judge’s decisions final.

· All guesses must be on an official pledge card and received at the tournament office before deadline date.

·  Rules are available at www.birdiesforcharity.com .

· Winner need not be present to win

Prize list and description available at the Birdies for Charities website.

Remember:

Every cent of every pledge Made to the Lions goes directly to the Lions of Illinois Foundation Endowment Fund.

The Partner Program

The Partner Program provides additional incentives to individual Lions and companies to make their charitable contribution.  Donors make a straight donation (minimum $750) rather than a pledge based on the number of birdies made during the 2006 John Deere Classic Golf Tournament.

As a Birdies for Charity Partner, you will receive a number of rewards based on your level of donation.  In 2008, they included John Deere Classic Tournament admission, parking, & donor recognition at the tournament.  Donor’s names were also on a special donor board for everyone to view during the 2004 John Deere Classic.  This is a great way to let the world know you, your, Club, or a sponsoring business donated for a worthy cause!

Partner levels (examples from 2008 program):

Platinum Partner ($5000 donation)-

On-Course Recognition, (4) Weekly VIP Badges, (2) Weekly VIP Parking Passes, (50) Weekday Tickets

Gold Partner ($3000 donation)-

On-Course Recognition, (2) Weekly VIP Badges, (1) Weekly VIP Parking Pass, (30) Weekday Tickets

Silver Partner ($1500 donation)-

On-Course Recognition, (1) Weekly VIP Badge, (1) Weekly VIP Parking Pass, (10) Weekday Tickets

Bronze Partner ($750 donation)-

            On-Course Recognition, (1) Weekly VIP Badge, (1) Weekly VIP Parking Pass

Bonus Bucks

In addition to receiving every penny of your pledge made to the LIF through Birdies for Charity, John Deere made an additional $100,000 as a bonus fund based on the percentage of pledges made in the name of the LIF.  That made every donation worth more than 100%.

Take this opportunity to make a small investment grow into thousands

for our mission to serve the visually & hearing impaired.

Contacts 

Each Lions District has a Head Bird, a Lion who can help you coordinate your giving and efforts to gather pledges.  Each District’s Head Bird, listed below, will have answers to your questions about the program and access to forms for your use.  In addition to the District Head Bird you can also contact Van C. Stone at the LIF office at VCS@tbc.net or State Head Birds, Lion Bob Sudbury, PDG at SSudbury@met.com, and Chuck Meyer,PDG at 1hcspdgchuck@gmail.com.

 2009 LIF District Head Birds

TBA