ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The Biltmore Championship Asheville was the city’s first PGA Tour event in over 80 years, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
The championship brought more than just world-class golf, though, as local charities in western North Carolina received a big economic boost.
“We got to share about our message and our mission. And I think most importantly, we were able to share the story about the work we do,” said Heather Wingert, director of development for Mountain Area Health Education Center.
Three charities were featured at the PGA Tour as part of the “Birdies for Charity” event. Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, MANNA FoodBank and Mountain Area Health Education Center, a nonprofit healthcare organization that equips healthcare professionals and expands access to healthcare in western North Carolina, were all included.
“As the PGA comes here, we see it as a wonderful opportunity to uplift the economy of our region and share a different story post-Helene about what we are doing and the strengths of our community,” Wingert said. “We are so dedicated and committed to ensuring that we have the medical providers that we need, not just here in Buncombe County, but just throughout the region.”
Explore Asheville shared preliminary numbers ahead of a formal economic impact study, saying that on top of thousands of spectators and over 100 golfers, the championship may generate up to $10 million in impact for the area.
It’s estimated that the four-year agreement will produce $15 to $30 million in direct visitor spending, $84 million in media coverage and more than $100,000 in support for local nonprofits and volunteer opportunities.
MANNA FoodBank also benefited from the event, receiving a $6,000 donation from the Cliffs, Biltmore Championship Asheville and Poppy Popcorn.
“We raised more than $190,000, enough to provide 304,000 meals for neighbors in need. Two years after Hurricane Helene, the PGA Tour’s national spotlight also helps fuel the businesses, nonprofits and residents moving our recovery forward. It tells the world western North Carolina is open, resilient and worth coming back to,” MANNA FoodBank Director of Philanthropic Engagement Laurel Crosby said.
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