Twenty Years of Impact: A Legacy Built for Iowa’s Future

Providing Opportunities for Iowa's Youth

The Principal Charity Classic has always been about more than golf — we wanted a family-friendly, community event with a mission — to bring world-class competition to Iowa while uniting businesses, volunteers, fans and nonprofit partners together to provide opportunities for Iowa youth.

Over the past 20 years, that mission has raised more than $73 million to support programs focused on education, health and wellness, arts and culture, financial capability and career readiness. That kind of support changes lives. You see it in schools, in neighborhoods and in the experiences that are helping more than 130,000 young people in our state build confidence, discover new possibilities and prepare for what comes next.

That impact is only possible because so many people have chosen to make this event their own. Each year, the tournament’s primary charity partners — Blank Children’s Hospital, MercyOne Children’s Hospital, United Way of Central Iowa and Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa — help turn generosity into action.

Just as important are the more than 70 Birdies for Charity nonprofits statewide, hundreds of sponsoring companies and the 1,000+ volunteers who give their time and energy each year. Their collective commitment is a reminder that real impact happens when a community invests in its people.

The Principal Charity Classic also serves as an important economic engine for Greater Des Moines. As Iowa’s only PGA TOUR Champions event, it shines a spotlight on our region and generates an estimated $26 million in annual community impact. It brings people here, supports local businesses and showcases the kind of community Des Moines is: welcoming, generous and committed to growing well.

Looking to the Future

As proud as we are of the tournament’s legacy, our focus is on what comes next, including the tournament’s growing emphasis on preparing Iowa’s future workforce. A powerful example is the Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective, a work-based learning initiative funded by the tournament and powered by the Greater Des Moines Partnership with support from Sammons Financial Group. The program connects students with real life experiences, career exploration and the skills needed to adapt and succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Efforts like this reflect a broader truth: the long-term vitality of our region depends on the talent we’re helping develop today. When young people have access to opportunity, guidance and meaningful experiences, they can be better prepared to build strong careers and contribute to strong communities.

Looking ahead, Principal® remains committed to showing up for the communities we serve around the world, investing where it matters and helping people build financial security and confidence for what’s ahead.

As we celebrate this 20th anniversary, I’m grateful to everyone who has played a part in shaping this legacy so far, and I’m excited about the future we’re building together. Two decades in, it’s clear the most meaningful wins of the Principal Chairty Classic continue to happen off the course, in stronger communities where we’re creating brighter futures for Iowa youth.

_{Golf Charitable Foundation of Greater Des Moines, operating as Principal Charity Classic, is a duly recognized 501(c)(3) organization focused on providing philanthropic support to youth serving programs across the State of Iowa. While Principal® Charity Classic receives funding from Principal Financial Group® and Principal® Foundation, Principal® Charity Classic is a distinct, independent, charitable entity.}

_{Principal community relations supports the communities where affiliates of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392 operates. Insurance products and plan administrative services provided through Principal Life Insurance Company®, a member of the Principal Financial Group, Des Moines, IA 50392. 5513679-052026}

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