Non-profit agencies are struggling to find new ways to fundraise right now with many communities still banning large, in-person events, out of concerns over the coronavirus.
MACC Fund CEO Becky Pinter says many of the organization's events have had to be postponed or even canceled.
"It's been a challenge to navigate, but we have been blessed that organizations, individuals, donors have been able to work with the MACC Fund, look at events differently and continue to host if not this year, in 2021," Pinter said.
One event still happening is the 'Wisconsin Cup.' With safety measures in place, some of the best junior golfers in Wisconsin will be competing in a Ryder Cup-like tournament at Whistling Straits, host of the actual Ryder Cup.
The money raised will go to the MACC Fund, Wisconsin Junior PGA scholarships, and The American Junior Golf Association. (AJGA)
Two-time state champion Piercen Hunt started the event last year, in partnership with the AJGA, while a student at Arrowhead High school in Hartland. He said there were a lot of unknowns when he started planning this year's event, but everyone worked hard to make this year's tournament possible.
Hunt says he really appreciated the people at Whistling Straits for being so flexible and generous.
"[I'm] ecstatic we have already passed last year's amount with two weeks to go, the sky's the limit. As much as we can give back, every dollar matters. That's always been my motto with my fundraising over the years, and I think it matters more today than ever," Hunt said.
Arrowhead High School hosts an annual high school tournament at Erin Hills in May to raise money for the MACC Fund as well. That fundraiser got canceled this year, along with the high school golf season. Hunt is hoping his 'Wisconsin Cup' can help make up some of the lost revenue from that canceled event.
"Already, a lot of players have gone above and beyond but I'm hoping we can really go above and beyond and make up for the lost fundraising from that high school tournament." Pinter adds "Cancer doesn't stop. These kids continue to be diagnosed. We are extremely grateful this is still going on and money being raised to help these kids."
The tournament between Team Wisconsin and Team Illinois for the Wisconsin Cup is July 3rd and 4th at Whistling Straits. You can donate to a specific golfer or the Wisconsin Cup team as a whole here.