Register editorial • May 29, 2009 In 2008, the golf tournament raised $605,000 for children’s charities, including United Way of Central Iowa and Blank
Children’s Hospital. Dollars were used to fund a reading program, buy bikes for children with disabilities and provide dental services to low-income children. Beyond helping charities, the tournament adds another big entertainment event to the year’s calendar for Iowa families to enjoy. And it brings in a lot of visitors: It’s expected to have a $4 million economic impact on the Des Moines area, providing a boost to hotels, restaurants and other businesses. If it weren’t for the golf tournament, people like actor Michael J. Fox likely wouldn’t be visiting Iowa – and bringing attention to Parkinson’s disease, which afflicts 1.5 million Americans. As hard as it might be to do right now, Iowa should be looking to the future and positioning itself as a leader in hosting events that draw people from all over the country and world. These difficult economic times will not last forever. Even in the midst of struggle, leaders among us are working to provide help to charities today and chart a course for a vibrant community tomorrow.
Kudos to Principal for doing so. Teeing up to do so for future years would mean a win for everyone.