Dominion Energy Charity Classic generates record corporate support
More than 170 corporate sponsors have signed-on for the 2024 tournament, the most since the event’s inception
RICHMOND, Virginia – More than 170 new and returning corporate sponsors will participate at the 2024 Dominion Energy Charity Classic, the most since the tournament was established in 2016. Now in its ninth year, this year’s tournament takes place Oct. 17-20 at The Country Club of Virginia, James River Course. Most sponsors are based in the Richmond and Henrico County area and will play a significant role in enhancing the fan experience for all who attend.
New fan enhancements for 2024 are highlighted by the partnership with the tournament’s new official lifestyle apparel brand Southern Tide. Southern Tide will have a presence in the Fan Zone presented by Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority where apparel and merchandise will be available for purchase. Southern Tide will also be the presenting sponsor of the Champions Club hospitality facility at the 17th green. The venue will feature a laid-back atmosphere with various seating choices and Southern Tide branding.
For the fifth time, the tournament will host live music on Friday evening. This year, local band Gone Country RVA will perform near the 18th green following the first round of competition. Live music is presented by JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting.
“Professional golf continues to offer a unique platform for business-to-business marketing and relationship-building, with an accompanying tie to supporting local charities,” said tournament Executive Director Steve Schoenfeld. “Area companies who have participated with us in the past have seen both the business and community-impact benefits and we are confident those participating for the first time this year will have that same experience.”
Since its debut in 2016, the tournament has helped generate over $11 million for nonprofits in Richmond, Henrico and surrounding counties.
Henrico Economic Development Authority, Markel, The Riverstone Group and VCU Health return as Premier Partners
The Charity Classic is proud to have Henrico Economic Development Authority, Markel, The Riverstone Group and VCU Health return as Premier Partners. A Premier Partner is the tournament’s second-highest sponsorship level, after title sponsor Dominion Energy. Each of the tournament’s Premier Partners will have a substantial on-site presence.
TowneBank returns as Presenting Sponsor of Birdies for Charity
The Birdies for Charity program presented by TowneBank is a significant contributor to the tournament’s charitable impact each year. TowneBank has been the presenting sponsor since 2018. This program provides the opportunity for any local 501(c)(3) to generate donations for their organization that the PGA TOUR bonuses by 10%. There are over 180 charities participating in 2024.
Strata Clean Energy returns as Official Military Sponsor
All Active Duty, Military Reserve, Military Retirees, Military Veterans and National Guard Members receive up to two (2) complimentary grounds admission tickets to each day of tournament play, Friday through Sunday, courtesy of Strata Clean Energy. Tickets also provide access to the Patriots’ Outpost presented by Strata Clean Energy near the 9th green. On Friday of tournament week, a Military Appreciation Ceremony will take place near the 18th green after the final putt drops.
Markel returns as Presenting Sponsor of the Tom Farrell Memorial Pro-Am
Markel has served as the Official Tom Farrell Memorial Pro-Am Sponsor since 2017. The Pro-Am will be contested Wednesday and Thursday of tournament week and features four amateurs and one professional in each foursome. As part of the program, each of Markel’s foursomes in the Pro-Am will compete in the Markel Charity Challenge, with each playing for a local charity. The Charity Classic will make donations to each of the designated charities based on the Pro-Am foursomes’ order of finish.
Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority, presenting sponsor of the Fan Zone
Each year, the Fan Zone presented by the Henrico Sports & Entertainment Authority headlines the tournament’s social and outside-the-ropes initiatives. Located between holes 1 and 18, the Fan Zone features food, drink, entertainment options, an expo area and activities for kids. An increased number of popular Richmond-based food trucks will be on-site this year including Arroz RVA, Coalesce Coffee, Jadean’s Smokin’ Six O BBQ, Kristen’s Kitchen and Westrays Finest Ice Cream. The Fan Zone will also have an area with life-size cutouts of a few former Charity Classic champions that will make for a great photo op! Finally, the tournament’s Birdies for Charity program presented by TowneBank will have an interactive presence and tote board displaying the up-to-date donation total for 2024.
Volunteer Program and Volunteer Village presented by Drive Shack
Drive Shack returns for the third year as presenting sponsor of the tournament’s Volunteer Program. Their support will help the tournament provide a positive experience for over 1,000 volunteers donating their time to work at the event.
Executive Women’s Day presented by Cherry Bekaert
Sold out every year since it began in 2019, the Executive Women’s Day program kicks off tournament week on Monday. Attendees will hear from guest speakers throughout the day, participate in interactive break-out sessions and attend a networking session. This year’s theme is “The Competitive Advantage” with guest speakers offering their views on how women who have participated or worked in amateur or professional sports have an advantage in their business careers over those who have not.
Friday Night Happy Hour presented by JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting
The tournament’s live, on-site music will have a different look this year, made possible by JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting. Gone Country RVA will perform on the stage near the 18th green on Friday after play concludes following the Military Appreciation Ceremony. All Friday ticket holders have access to the show.
Greenside Seats presented by Davenport & Company LLC, NFP & Wealthspire Advisors, JAN-PRO Cleaning & Disinfecting
Surrounding the green of holes 9, 10 and 18 are seats open for all spectators. Fans who are sitting in a seat when the last putt on that hole drops get to take the seat home! Open Friday through Sunday.
Autograph Zone presented by Lansing Building Products
The Autograph Zone presents the best opportunity for spectators to interact with the professional golfers and obtain autographs after they sign their scorecards after their rounds each day during the tournament. It is located between the 10th Tee and the clubhouse.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Official Vodka
The Tito’s Stillhouse Bar in the Fan Zone will offer signature cocktails — including Tito’s Transfusion, the brand’s refreshing “go-to golf drink.” Tito’s products will also be featured in hospitality venues and the clubhouse.
Woodford Reserve Terrace
The Woodford Reserve Terrace returns after a successful debut in 2023 and will feature a viewing deck of the 1st Tee with seating and a pay-as-you-go bar. The venue is open to the public, so all ticket holders will have access. Beverages featuring Woodford Reserve bourbon and Herradurra tequila will be among the offerings.
7 Lady Vineyards, Preferred Wine
New for 2024, local brand 7 Lady Vineyards is the preferred wine of the tournament. 7 Lady Vineyards wines will be served from the concession in the Fan Zone as well as in on-course hospitality venues.
Tuckahoe Club presented by OneBridge Advisors
For the first time, the Charity Classic will have a presenting sponsor of the popular hospitality facility at 16 green, thanks to OneBridge Advisors. OneBridge Advisors will have a promotional presence in the venue as well as branding throughout.
DECC Skills Challenge
New in 2024, members of the men’s golf teams from local HBCUs Virginia Union University and Virginia State University will team up with junior golfers from First Tee Greater Richmond in a skills challenge. The event will take place on Saturday of tournament week from approximately 12:00 to 3:00 pm at the practice facility.