3M Open to support COVID-19 and social justice initiatives
PGA TOUR event to showcase the ‘Power of Community’
BLAINE, Minn. – 3M Open officials announced today its 2020 charitable giving efforts will be directed largely toward local nonprofit organizations which are focused on supporting individuals impacted by COVID-19 and for social justice initiatives. The 3M Open Fund will donate funds raised to select Minnesota charities and highlight the ‘Power of Community’ throughout the event.
The 3M Open has identified eight major charity partners for this year’s tournament: M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, Greater Twin Cities United Way, VEAP, Urban Ventures, Lake Street Council, YWCA of Minneapolis, YWCA of St. Paul and the Science Museum of Minnesota.
“Thanks to the support we receive from so many, including our volunteers and corporate partners, the 3M Open Fund has this opportunity to partner with local organizations to assist others through awareness and financial means.” said Mike Welch, 3M Open tournament director. “One of 3M Open Fund’s primary goals is to make this community stronger and it is a mission our tournament staff takes seriously throughout the year, not just one week.”
The 3M Open will also run a social media campaign designed to honor essential workers up to and throughout tournament week. Participants are asked to recognize an essential worker in their life by posting a video to Twitter or Instagram and use the hashtag #3MOpen from July 8 through July 26. The 3M Open Fund will donate $3 for each post to three nonprofit organizations: VEAP, Greater Twin Cities United Way and M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital (up to a maximum total donation of $250,000).
“We are proud to partner with the 3M Open once again and are excited to further our industry-leading pediatric COVID-19 care with their support.” said Joseph Neglia, M.D., M.P.H., physician in chief of Masonic Children’s Hospital. “Last year we were able to debut the 3M Open Plaza that provides patients and their families with events that create memorable experiences while they heal in our hospital, and we look forward to furthering additional programming this summer with them.”
Another way in which the tournament plans to showcase its community-themed message is by partnering with local artist, Adam Turman, to create a ‘Power of Community’ mural that will be featured during the live TV broadcast of the tournament.
The 3M Open kicked off tournament festivities on June 30 with a food drive at 3M Company’s global headquarters for the local nonprofit VEAP. Minnesota Vikings player and 3M Open Ambassador Kyle Rudolph was on-hand to help coordinate the food drive and load up the donated items. During the event, more than 100 3M employees participated, while following social distancing practices, as they donated 2,653 pounds of food and essential items.
The tournament will take place on July 23-26 at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, MN, and will be conducted without spectators due to current guidelines related to COVID-19. However, fans around the world can watch tournament play on the Golf Channel and CBS throughout the week.
“Despite not having fans in attendance, the 3M Open will remain a platform to give back and build more resilient communities,” said Denise Rutherford, 3M Company senior vice president of corporate affairs and president of the 3M Open Fund. “We are excited to help bring professional sports back to Minnesota and showcase our vibrant culture and community.”
About 3M
At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $32 billion in sales, our 96,000 employees connect with customers around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNews.
About the 3M Open
A PGA TOUR event, the 3M Open inaugural event was won by Matthew Wolff in thrilling fashion in July 2019. Minnesota’s only PGA TOUR event is contested at the TPC Twin Cities and will be held July 20-26, 2020. Managed by Pro Links Sports, the tournament benefits local programs through the 3M Open Fund. For more information, please visit www.3mopen.com. Follow the 3M Open at facebook.com/3MOpen and on Twitter @3MOpen.
Media Contact:
Lee Patterson, 3M Open Media Director, (704) 913-1088, lpatterson@3mopen.com