Categories: EventsFeatures

Umpqua Bank Challenge Raises $100,000 for Charity

“To be able to use the game of golf as a means to unite people in the spirit of giving back, and having fun, is very special,” said Jacobsen. “This community means a lot to me, and I’m proud to be a part of supporting the great work that these two non-profit organizations do for our children and their families.”

Portland, January 23rd. Peter Jacobsen had the chance to see the funds raised by the inaugural Umpqua Bank Challenge put to good use at Alder Elementary School. The school is an “I Have a Dream” Foundation, “Dreamer School,” in the Reynolds School District. The “I Have a Dream” Foundation and Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel were the recipients of the $100,000 raised by the Umpqua Bank Challenge.

Tournament Host Peter Jacobsen and Umpqua Bank President and CEO Ray Davis (far right) were on hand to present the funds.

Funds raised by the inaugural Umpqua Bank Challenge helped “I Have a Dream” Foundation – Oregon implement key efforts at their Dreamer School, such us providing 60 academic tutors in reading and writing for their Kindergarten through Second graders.

Diane Boyl, Julie Ball, and Nancy Horton are "I have Dream Foundation" Board Members

Funds contributed to Randall Children’s Hospital will be used to support a Family Conference & Resource Room on the 3rd floor of
their new state-of-the-art facility, set to open February 2012.

Tamera Uppendahl, Maegan Vidal, and Dr. Liz MacDonell Executive Director of the Legacy Foundation

“The Umpqua Bank Challenge is an opportunity to give back to the City of Portland and to organizations that are doing such important work to support the health and well-being of our community’s children and families,” said Ray Davis, Umpqua Bank president and CEO. “The positive impact of our work in year one is significant and I look forward to seeing that grow as the Challenge does.”

Next summer the Umpqua Bank Challenge will be held at a new venue, The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha. During the presentation, Jacobsen discussed his excitement over the move and teased 2012 tournament information, including the identity of the 2012 Honoree (2011’s was Arnold Palmer) and a possible format change for the main field portion of the event.

At the 2011 event, one of golf's biggest names, Arnold Palmer, returned to Portland to help old friend Peter Jacobsen launch the inaugural Umpqua Bank Challenge.

Registration for the 2012 volunteer program, which sold out early last year, will open March 1. For the most up-to-date tournament information and news, including details on volunteering, ticket sales and sponsorship opportunities, visit ww.umpquabankchallenge.com

About The Umpqua Bank Challenge
The Umpqua Bank Challenge, <http://www.umpquabankchallenge.com>, is a three-day exhibition-style golf tournament set for August 26-28, 2012 at The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha, Ore. The Umpqua Bank Challenge will include The Regence Pro-am on Sunday and the main field competition on Monday and Tuesday, where PGA TOUR and Champions Tour professionals will play a best-ball format while paired into two-person teams. Hosted by PGA TOUR professional and Portland-native Peter Jacobsen, proceeds from The Umpqua Bank Challenge will benefit the tournament’s two partner charities; Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel and the “I Have a Dream” Foundation – Oregon.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.