The Players: $150MM Economic Impact

[aaapolito]

From news4jax:

The Players influence local charities
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -
The Players Championship is not just one of the biggest sporting and social events of the year, it's also one of the biggest economic engines for the area.

Just how much money is pumped into the local economy?

Matt Rapp, executive director of The Players, said the economic impact of The Players is huge -- $150 million worth.

"You think about it, the build-out started in February," Rapp said. "Three and a half months to build it up, then a month and a half to tear it down. All those people coming in, staying at hotels, buying groceries, buying gas. This is the busiest week at (Jacksonville International Airport)."

Local restaurants reap the benefits, and so do local charities.

J.T. Townsend's foundation is one of them. He was paralyzed eight years ago while playing high school football.

The Players is helping out his charity, and golfer Fred Funk is hosting Townsend's party Tuesday night. Townsend wants to raise money to purchase equipment to help other individuals with life-changing disabilities.

The Players has set a goal to raise more than $50 million for local youth-related charities over the next 10 years.

"We're able to touch 300 charities a year," Rapp said. "We're able to contribute to them through the proceeds of the event. It's an honor to work for an organization that values charity so much."

Since 1977, The Players has generated more than $46 million for local charities in the five-county area of northeast Florida.

Last year, it set a record, raising nearly $6 million.

A lot of people benefit from The Players, including the winner of the tournament, who will walk away with $1.7 million.

[Garden guy]

I don't know of too many needy groups in Ponte Vedra...maybe a few individuals but groups? i dont think so...id hope they'd help the outreaching areas like Jacksonville

[fsquid]

I don't know of too many needy groups in Ponte Vedra...maybe a few individuals but groups? i dont think so...id hope they'd help the outreaching areas like Jacksonville

If you read the article, it says five county area is where they help charities

[fsujax]

^^exactly, it is not like all the money stays in Ponte Vedra!

[Kaiser Soze]

I don't know of too many needy groups in Ponte Vedra...maybe a few individuals but groups? i dont think so...id hope they'd help the outreaching areas like Jacksonville

Poor marks for reading comprehension.