National Nonprofit Teams Up With PGA Tournament Charity Program

AVON, CT (July 25, 2016) — The Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) Foundation of Avon, CT, is proud to partner with the Travelers Championship for the first time to participate in their Birdies for Charity fundraising program.

Launched in 2004, Birdies for Charity is a pledge-based fundraiser providing 501(c)3 organizations in Connecticut the opportunity to raise funds and receive a matching grant based on the number of birdies made by PGA TOUR professionals during the tournament from August 1-7, 2016.

“We are so proud to be a part of such a robust and longstanding program with the Travelers Championship,” said Kelly Brown, Acting Executive Director of the CdLS Foundation. “The nutmeg state loves when the PGA comes to our doorstep, and this is a superb way to highlight local charities at the same time.”

At the conclusion of the tournament, the Travelers Championship calculates the number of birdies made, multiplied by the pledged amounts, and then distributes invoices to donors. The Travelers Championship donates 100% of all collected donations to the designated charities around Connecticut. Each organization that raises money through Birdies for Charity also receives a 15% bonus on top of the pledges collected.

“Whether we look at the tournament itself, the CdLS Foundation, or the families we serve nationwide, this charity program provides a great opportunity for all parties to benefit,” said Brown. “We hope to continue this partnership for many years to come.”

About CdLS

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome occurs in about 1 in 10,000 births. An estimated 20,000 people in the U.S. have CdLS, but remain undiagnosed and/or without support services. Individuals with CdLS range from mildly to severely affected, though most have similar physical characteristics including small size, hands and feet; thin eyebrows that meet in the middle; long eyelashes; an upturned nose; and thin, downturned lips. Some individuals have limb differences, including missing fingers or arms. Common medical problems include GERD, bowel obstruction, hearing loss, and congenital heart defects. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential to ensure proper management of related medical issues. Visit www.CdLSusa.org to learn more about the Foundation.

About the CdLS Foundation

The Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) Foundation is a family support organization that exists to ensure early and accurate diagnosis of CdLS, promote research into the causes and manifestations of the syndrome, and help people with a diagnosis of CdLS, and others with similar characteristics, make informed decisions throughout their lives.

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