Purdy thankful for opportunity to give back
Nov 30, 2006John Davis
The Arizona Republic
Ted Purdy admits after turning pro, he spent too much time enjoying the single life and too little on the putting greens.
But the Phoenix native and former University of Arizona star has come full circle as a family man and successful PGA Tour pro who won his first title in last year's Byron Nelson Classic.
"I feel like the luckiest man on Earth," Purdy said. "I've got a great wife, a wonderful family, a nice home in a great community, terrific friends and plenty of support. Life is very good. It's fun being Ted Purdy."
Part of his fulfillment comes from his involvement in the Pebble Tec Charity Golf Tournament, which will be played Dec. 8 at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale.
The event benefits A Stepping Stone Foundation, which provides comprehensive early childhood programs for children and their families in need of literacy services. While the children attend a preschool program, their parents must attend general equivalency diploma or English classes, as well as parenting workshops. More than 1,200 families have graduated from the program. Information is available at www.asteppingstone.org.
The foundation was founded in 1989 and held an annual charity golf tournament that never sold out and never raised more than $5,000 until last year.
That's when Purdy became involved, and within two weeks, the event filled up. This year, more than 200 golfers will play in the tournament. The goal is to raise $100,000, but Purdy said, "I think we'll do better than that."
Other tour pros such as Jason Gore, Kirk Triplett and Pat Perez also will play, along with athletes such as Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb and former pro football players Eric Dickerson and Phillippi Sparks.
Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Vince Gill and many others have donated auction items.
"The support from celebrities and athletes and the corporate sponsorships have just been incredible," Purdy said.
After last year's event, Purdy asked Stepping Stone if it could provide $245,000 to create a high-profile charity event. With a total budget of $400,000, that wasn't feasible, so Purdy, his wife, Arlene, and some friends created the Ted Purdy Foundation, which is footing the bill. That means 100 percent of proceeds will go to Stepping Stone.
"I didn't want them to suffer financially if the tournament failed, and for all of the blessings I have, this is a small price to pay," Purdy said. "I look at this as an opportunity to give something back to the community, and I'm thankful to have it."
But the Phoenix native and former University of Arizona star has come full circle as a family man and successful PGA Tour pro who won his first title in last year's Byron Nelson Classic.
"I feel like the luckiest man on Earth," Purdy said. "I've got a great wife, a wonderful family, a nice home in a great community, terrific friends and plenty of support. Life is very good. It's fun being Ted Purdy."
Part of his fulfillment comes from his involvement in the Pebble Tec Charity Golf Tournament, which will be played Dec. 8 at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale.
The event benefits A Stepping Stone Foundation, which provides comprehensive early childhood programs for children and their families in need of literacy services. While the children attend a preschool program, their parents must attend general equivalency diploma or English classes, as well as parenting workshops. More than 1,200 families have graduated from the program. Information is available at www.asteppingstone.org.
The foundation was founded in 1989 and held an annual charity golf tournament that never sold out and never raised more than $5,000 until last year.
That's when Purdy became involved, and within two weeks, the event filled up. This year, more than 200 golfers will play in the tournament. The goal is to raise $100,000, but Purdy said, "I think we'll do better than that."
Other tour pros such as Jason Gore, Kirk Triplett and Pat Perez also will play, along with athletes such as Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb and former pro football players Eric Dickerson and Phillippi Sparks.
Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Vince Gill and many others have donated auction items.
"The support from celebrities and athletes and the corporate sponsorships have just been incredible," Purdy said.
After last year's event, Purdy asked Stepping Stone if it could provide $245,000 to create a high-profile charity event. With a total budget of $400,000, that wasn't feasible, so Purdy, his wife, Arlene, and some friends created the Ted Purdy Foundation, which is footing the bill. That means 100 percent of proceeds will go to Stepping Stone.
"I didn't want them to suffer financially if the tournament failed, and for all of the blessings I have, this is a small price to pay," Purdy said. "I look at this as an opportunity to give something back to the community, and I'm thankful to have it."
Career Sponsors
