2015 check passing ceremony – pictured left to right: Christina Copeland (2015 Bears for Children’s Chair), Stephanie Stein (2015 Courtesy Cars Chair), Kyra Smith (2015 Volunteers Chair), Steve Allen, MD (CEO Nationwide Children’s Hospital), Paula Brose (2014 Women’s Division Committee Chair), Shirl White (2015 Sandwich Factory Chair), Anne Bogenrief (2016 Hospitality Captain), Marcy Williams (2015 Women’s Division Committee Chair), Dan Sullivan (Executive Director of the Memorial Tournament), Donna LeCrone (2015 Memorial Patron Will Call Chair), Terri Heaphy (2015 Cub Care Chair), Paula Ferguson (2016 Women’s Division Committee Chair), Elizabeth Sopko (2015 Leaderboards Chair)

Dublin, Ohio – Officials of the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide announced today that the 40^th playing of the prestigious invitational, held June 1 – 7, 2015, raised $2 million for charitable organizations in central Ohio, including a record-setting $1,607,118.53 for Nationwide Children’s Hospital through an alliance with the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation. Since its first playing in 1976, the Memorial has eclipsed $26 million in donations to central Ohio charities, with more than $14 million going to Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

 True to the hearts of Jack and Barbara Nicklaus, the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide includes as one of its primary objectives a genuine, philanthropic vision. Embodied in the Memorial’s enduring partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital and support of the Memorial Tournament Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, pediatric care is at the center of each campaign and event these entities jointly execute.

  “The Memorial is proud of its long-standing history of charitable giving in central Ohio and beyond, especially its very successful 40-year relationship with Nationwide Children’s Hospital,” said Dan Sullivan, the Tournament’s executive director. “Events like our annual Legends Luncheon and the new FORE! Miler contributed to making this a record year in charitable giving. Also paramount to a successful charitable campaign is our relationship with six-year presenting sponsor Nationwide. It is because of their shared philanthropic vision and the dedication and commitment exhibited by the Tournament’s volunteer corps, in particular the members of the Women’s Division Committee and the over 2,000 Nationwide Children’s Hospital volunteers, that the Memorial is annually considered one of the top tournaments on the PGA TOUR and a must-attend event in central Ohio.

 “Nationwide Children’s is honored and grateful to the Memorial Tournament, Nationwide, the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation and the countless volunteers and fans who graciously support the hospital’s Memorial Tournament Neonatal Intensive Care Unit,” said Steve Allen, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “As a result of your historic generosity, thousands of ill and premature newborns have been saved and generations more will benefit from lifesaving research and discoveries. We could not be more proud of this philanthropic partnership and what it has done to help children everywhere.”

 Nationwide, which has been the Tournament sponsor for six years, shares a similar tradition of support for Nationwide Children’s. Nationwide is committed to broadening the impact of its presenting sponsorship of the Memorial Tournament to bring greater awareness and increased funding to Nationwide Children’s and to those who benefit the most – families and children in need of care.

 “Nationwide is honored to be the presenting sponsor of the Memorial Tournament,” said Terrance Williams, Nationwide’s chief marketing officer. “The money raised by the Tournament helps Nationwide Children’s Hospital succeed in its mission to provide outstanding care to every child, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. We are proud to be a part of an event that gives back to our community so generously."

 The 2016 Memorial Tournament is scheduled for May 30 – June 5 at Muirfield Village Golf Club. The public may call the Tournament Ticket Office 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at 877-MT BADGE or visit http://www.mtbadge.com to purchase badges. Kids 16 and under can attend for free with a ticketed adult and kids 18 and under are admitted free on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 for Junior Golf Day. Daily practice round tickets for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are also available. The introductory cost is $35 through March 4, and they are valid for all three practice-round days.