American Family Insurance Championship receives prestigious President's Award from PGA TOUR Champions

Based on outstanding charitable giving, sales, attendance and economic impact, the American Family Insurance Championship in Madison, Wis. was named the recipient of the prestigious President’s Award, which captures the criteria of all PGA TOUR Champions awards, as well as the intangibles that make the tournament stand out.

The President's Award was presented at the TOUR's tournament meetings in Palm Springs, California, on Dec. 6. This is the tournament’s second award, as it received the 2016 Outstanding Achievement award in its inaugural year.

“The American Family Insurance Championship sets high expectations, and each year the tournament exceeds those lofty standards and continues to raise the bar,” said Miller Brady, President of PGA TOUR Champions. “The hometown title sponsor of American Family Insurance has produced three incredible tournaments that have made a lasting impact on local charities in Madison, Wisconsin, and I'm pleased to present the 2018 President's Award to the American Family Insurance Championship.”

Already established as a premier sporting event in Wisconsin, the American Family Insurance Championship extended its reach even farther in 2018. Attendance included more than 65,000 fans from 29 states, and the volunteer base included more than 1,200 people from 13 states. This translated into an estimated economic impact of over $15 million, and the tournament is expected to announce a seven-figure charitable contribution for the third year in a row.

“We’re grateful to the PGA TOUR Champions and very proud to be the recipient of the President’s Award in the third year of our tournament,” said Nate Pokrass, tournament director. “Our team’s goal from the beginning has been to support charitable organizations in our communities by providing an exceptional golf experience for players and fans alike. This prestigious honor not only affirms our work, but motivates us to continue to exceed expectations going forward.”

The American Family Insurance Championship is proud to support the American Family Children's Hospital and other local organizations through the Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation. In addition to the hospital, the event also provides funds to nearly 100 other local charities through a tournament grant program.

"Receiving this award is testimony to the support we’ve received from players, fans, sponsors, volunteers, American Family Insurance and the entire community, who have helped make this tournament a premier golf event and provide funding to the American Family Children’s Hospital and so many other worthwhile organizations,” said Steve Stricker, host and player. “Everyone involved with the tournament wants to thank the PGA TOUR Champions for this fantastic recognition.”

Pictured above: Miller Brady, PGA TOUR Champions; Katie Elliott, tournament manager; Nate Pokrass, tournament director; Shelby Chorney, tournament assistant.

Want to be part of this event? See the "Volunteer" link in the top navigation for volunteer descriptions and how to sign up. Or contact Gail Perla, volunteer coordinator, at gperla@amfam.com.

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About the American Family Insurance ChampionshipAmerican Family Insurance, the PGA TOUR Champions and Wisconsin native Steve Stricker launched this professional golf tournament in June 2016. The American Family Insurance Championship, held annually at University Ridge Golf Course in Madison, Wis., features a 78-player field. Past champions include Scott McCarron (2018), Fred Couples (2017) and Kirk Triplett (2016). Championship week includes the three-day tournament, two Pro-Am competitions, 5k run/walk, charity concert and a special exhibition featuring celebrities from the sports and music industries. The 2019 event will be held June 15-23 with all proceeds allocated to the Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation for distribution to the American Family Children’s Hospital and other charities. More than $4.7 million has been donated to charity since the inaugural event in 2016. For more information: Web: www.AmFamChampionship.com; Twitter: @AmFamChamp; Facebook: American Family Insurance Championship; Instagram: amfamchampionship #AmFamChamp

About Steve Stricker American Family Insurance FoundationEstablished in 2013 when Steve Stricker became a brand ambassador for American Family Insurance, the mission of the foundation is to inspire and develop strong families and healthy kids so they can pursue their dreams. The foundation supports organizations that produce tangible outcomes that align with this mission. Web: www.amfamchampionship.com/foundation-and-charities/; Twitter: @StrickerFNDN